Rural Shikoku

Outside of Matsuyama lies rural Shikoku. It is about as close to old Japan that there is. Family gardens are common all over the place. This is also where killer wasps are found. The residents do not provoke these aggressive insects. If a nest is found, it must be reported to the prefecture office for removal. They are not to be ignored. People tending gardens where white bonnets or straw hats to protect them from the sun with white scarfs over the face to protect them while tending their garden. There are brilliant displays of flowers that are lovingly cared for.

Killer Hornets of Japan

This is a killer hornet native to Japan. This may not look that terrifying but an attack from one of these wasps can be fatal. They are more common than people think. If any locals find a nest, the prefecture office must be contacted. Officials will come and remove it. They are too dangerous for anyone to tamper with. The wasps will go after anyone they perceive as a threat. I was told that if I came across one, just to back off slowly and not run. Just back away slowly. They are not a big problem in the city, but out in the country, they do propogate. When officials remove them, they do it at night when the hive is asleep and wearing special protective clothing.