Japan's edible insect industry is shooting for the mainstream. Major firms have begun noticing the appeal of nutritious and sustainable bug-based food, while some chefs are devising new culinary experiences for adventure-seeking diners.
Japanese telecommunications giant Nippon Telegraph and Telephone East Corp. says it will trial the farming of edible crickets using artificial intelligence and other advanced technologies in collaboration with a firm that manufactures products containing the insects.
A high school in western Japan recently served food containing powdered crickets, collaborating with a local startup company that touts consumption of the nutritious and efficiently produced insects.
TOKUSHIMA A new snack with edible cricket powder available at all FamilyMart Co. convenience store chains in Tokushima Prefecture could soon be jumping off the shelves.