Current Situation and Diversity of Entomophagy in Ina, Nagano Prefecture

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to investigate the collection, distribution, and consumption trends of insects as food and attitudes toward entomophagy as a local food culture in the city of Ina, Nagano prefecture, Japan. According to the results of a questionnaire survey, more than 60% of respondents followed the custom of eating insects and some recognized insects as elements of local food and local food culture. However, there has been a decreasing trend in the frequency of insect consumption, and the environment surrounding entomophagy has been changing. At present, entomophagy in Ina and changes in consumption trends differ by type of insect in the area. Further investigations of decreases in consumption, especially among the younger generation, and of changes in distribution patterns when the resource supply is dependent on other regions are necessary when considering how to ensure that the custom of entomophagy is passed down to future generations in Ina.