Samurai Spiders

Japan has lots of unique critters, but one of the most noticeable to us has been the Samurai Spider. It is actually a black and yellow Argiope spider that can be found all over (at least in Tokyo and our hiking stomping grounds). They are really distinctive, and pretty big, so they become the occasional subjects of Michael's photography.


Usually, they make a big web between two trees. When the web is over a park path or hiking trail, it can be a little nerve racking walking underneath!


We caught a TV special on Samurai Spiders, and learned that they are used for traditional spider fighting in some parts of Japan. People raise and train spiders as a hobby, and once a year the town of Kajiki holds a Spider Fighting Tournament.


I think that will be one event we will skip!