Buzz
Aside from Hello Kitty and Godzilla, there are other seemingly innocent creatures that have fiercely overtaken the Land of the Rising Sun.
During Crown Prince Akihito’s visit to Chicago in 1960, Mayor Richard J. Daley faced a dilemma over what to present as a gift. After careful consideration, he decided on bluegill, a local favorite among anglers.
The gesture was well-received. Akihito, a passionate ichthyologist, has contributed to scientific journals like Science and Nature. He eagerly brought the fish back to Japan, donating them to a research center with the aim of cultivating them as a potential protein source for the Japanese population.
The plan was well-intentioned, but the bluegill managed to escape and thrived excessively in their new environment. They overran Japan’s water systems, disrupting the food chain for native fish and even causing the extinction of at least one species. “It pains me deeply to see this outcome,” expressed Emperor Akihito.
Compounding the issue, while bluegill was considered a delicacy in Illinois, it failed to appeal to Japanese tastes. However, officials believe encouraging locals to consume bluegill could be the fastest solution to control the invasive species. Recognizing that altering tastes is simpler than eradicating a species, the government has partnered with chefs to develop innovative bluegill-based dishes. Additionally, official websites now feature recipes like bluegill burgers, urging citizens to help eliminate the fish through consumption.
This story originally appeared in mental_floss magazine. Get a free issue here!
