I have reviewed this sub, the JL and JTravel subs, Japan-Guide forums, related bug forums and subs, and various online resources regarding this question (including the Wikipedia article, which does exist now!). Based on this research, it seems that bed bugs (bedbugs) in general are not a problem or “common” pest through Japan, and that rather, there are more common tatami pests that have similar biting patterns.
However, much of this research, and information found online, is from many years ago, some of it 10 years or so past. It seems there is some kind of a new epidemic exploding in North America relating to bed bugs in homes and hotels, thus I was curious if perhaps this would somehow be similar in Japan, give new surges in globalization, travel, and movement.
Is it perhaps cultural differences relating to cleanliness, keeping old items and such, geographical limitations (since, yknow, Japan’s an island), or something else perhaps, that would lend Japan to avoid having this as a problem?
A couple friends had a run-in only once after traveling for 10 years, because they stayed in a 110 year old B&B house on the coast in the US. Would there perhaps be similar risks with ryokans or other such “older” styled sleeping establishments?
Would appreciate hearing anyone’s recent run-ins with these pests, in Japan, or any other relatively recent personal anecdotes or information. Please note I am asking in general, across all strokes of living; travel, permanent, work, etc.
Thanks!
https://www.reddit.com/r/japan/comments/yayfpn/what_is_the_bedbug_situation_like_in_japan_now/