Why are wasps so deadly in some of his works? Is that a general thing in japanese literature? Are they maybe objectively more deadly in Japan? Does he have a personal experience that he is incorporating with this theme?
(or maybe i as a German am underestimating wasps generally? in my experience they are a bit annoying but if you aren’t allergic it’s really no big deal – especially as most of them aren’t aggressive when not provoked)
by gjk-ger
2 Comments
I don’t think they’re a general thing in Japanese literature, at least, it’s not a thing I’ve seen super frequently.
I think it’s in part because wasps are scary and threatening to many people, and probably to Murakami, himself.
But also, Japan has Asian Giant Hornets, which uh, are sometimes nicknamed “murder hornets.” Their sting contains the neurotoxin mandaratoxin. And while being stung by one hornet generally doesn’t contain enough neurotoxin to kill an adult human, multiple stings can! Also, they’re huge and scary looking. https://assets1.cbsnewsstatic.com/hub/i/r/2020/05/15/e7c9f01a-548a-4b01-8c7d-2d5e372ad934/thumbnail/640×424/88f78e08484adf8acb13407eca1bff02/gettyimages-156720700.jpg?v=4d0a8a0e724da64f433bf70cf12725a2
Hers is one that has unfortunately made it to the US:
https://www.livescience.com/murder-hornet