Japan seeks $43M to combat invasive longhorn beetle threatening cherry trees

Japan's Environment Ministry requests 6.7 billion yen ($43M) for FY2026 to eradicate the red-necked longhorn beetle, an 11-fold increase from the prior year's initial budget. The invasive pest threatens cherry and plum trees, key cultural and agricultural assets. The funding boost signals escalating concern over the beetle's spread, though eradication success remains uncertain.