Big in Japan: Butt biting bugs are big in Japan

. Here at Big in Japan, we’re dedicated to bringing you the latest fads – no matter how strange – from the Land of the Rising Sun.

With that said, I am proud to introduce you now to the latest Japanese fad that is sweeping across the country, namely the Oshiri Kajiri Mushi (?????????????????) or ‘Bottom Biting Insects.’

Seriously. Check out the video above if you don’t believe me.

Alright, now that your mind has no doubt been blown away by dancing insects who alternate biting butts and singing in two-part harmony, allow me to explain exactly what is going on here.

(Actually, I am not sure if I entirely know myself, though I will do my best!)

The Oshiri Kajiri Mushi song was originally created by the husband and wife duo Uruma Delvi (???????????), who wanted to encourage Japanese people living in big cities to spontaneously interact with each other.

Are you with me so far?

If so, keep reading as this where things start to get a bit weird…

According to the creative minds behind Oshiri Kajiri Mushi, the bottom biting insects are magical creatures that seek out lonely people.

By biting bottoms, the victim realizes how lonely their life is, and seeks out human companionship.

Of course, it’s not that easy for the Oshiri Kajiri Mushi as Tokyo butts taste bitter from all the loneliness that is stored within them.

Are you still with me?

Really? That’s impressive considering that I’m not even sure if I understand myself at this point

Aimed at children and their parents, the song debuted earlier this year on Minna no Uta (みんなのうた) or Everyone’s Songs, a five minute NHK TV and radio program broadcasting several times daily since 1961.

Much like the Crazy Frog song that swept across Europe a few years back, the Oshiri Kajiri Mushi song broke into the top 10 singles charts, and has recently become something of a national pop culture obsession.

In fact, NHK TV recently announced that the butt biting insects will soon be getting their own TV show entitled Oshiri Kajiri Mushi to Odorou! (おしりかじり虫と踊ろう!), or ‘Let’s Dance with the Bottom Biting Insects.

Needless to say, the program will feature the Oshiri Kajiri Mushi dancing with children at kindergartens and nursery schools across the country.

The mayhem doesn’t stop there.

Mono Comme Ca, a Japanese apparel brand aimed at tweens, teens and twenty-somethings, has recently licensed the Oshiri Kajiri Mushi for their clothing.

This means that if you’re searching for the perfect X-mas gift for any of your Japanese friends, might I suggest an Oshiri Kajiri Mushi sweatshirt, which will help you stay warm this holiday season!

In case you’re wondering, the Mono Comme Ca shop is located right across the street from the Meiji Shrine exit of Harajuku Station in Tokyo.

** Special thanks to my future roommate Isaac, who is nothing short of a walking library of Japanese pop culture **