28-05-2025
Shiga governor says reactions to midge outbreak at Osaka Expo site excessive
OSAKA -- Shiga Gov. Taizo Mikazuki said reactions over a plague of non-biting midges at the Expo 2025 Osaka, Kansai venue might be overblown.
Referring to the outbreak of the insects, Mikazuki said during a May 27 regular press conference, "This is the time of year they appear. As someone from a prefecture where we live with Biwako mushi (a type of chironomid around Lake Biwa), I'm not sure what good it will do making too big a deal out of it. I'm sure the midges want to see the Expo too."
His remarks highlight a difference in views with Osaka Gov. Hirofumi Yoshimura, who is advancing measures against the insect outbreak, as something "that cannot be ignored."
According to the Japan Association for the 2025 World Exposition, large numbers of the insects have appeared near the Water Plaza on the southern side of the venue in Osaka's Konohana Ward, where water shows and other events are held. Yoshimura stated at a press conference that he wants to "take every possible measure," and has asked insecticide manufacturers for assistance with extermination. On the other hand, Mikazuki took a more reserved stance, saying, "There are also people in Shiga Prefecture who are troubled by Biwako mushi, but I would like to wait and see how effective outdoor extermination is."
He also added, "Midges are living creatures too. I hope we can all think about how to coexist with them while also considering their lives."
The official website of the Shiga Prefectural Government provides information on how to deal with Biwako mushi. The concluding message notes, "No matter how many there are, they disappear after the season ends. Please consider them a seasonal tradition of Lake Biwa and look on them with kindness."
(Japanese original by Akira Kitade, Otsu Bureau)
