Pollination in a Time of Crisis

Bees around the world are dying off. In many cases it’s due to man’s use of pesticides with no thought for the effects on the land and creatures.

Kodama

Kodama by Amy Winters-Voss

The most notable of these spirits is the Kodama, who tether to the trees that sustain their life. They pollinate the surrounding plants, taking care to not cross the pollen from one plant with another. They will see to the needs of their type of trees first, but seem happy to help out any plants with in their reach. Bold kodama may also appear to humans who are using pesticides and communicate with them. Though the humans may not understand the tree spirit’s language, they often get the point through the gestures used. Humans who refuse to listen or care are never to be heard from again.
Kodama will allow pollinators who are not harmful to nest in their tree by creating a cavity for a hive or home. Species they might allow include bees, beneficial wasps, beetles, small birds, butterflies, moths, ants (not carpenter ants though), bats, flies, and small lizards.
Tree spirits who are older and sensing their tree’s demise awaken the spirits of the surrounding plants to help with the pollination of the local area’s plants.

Furutsubaki no Rei

Camellia by Freepik

Legends say the tsubaki bush (camellia japonica) can turn men into bees and poison the man-bees. Because of the current pollination crisis, the tsubaki bushes have been lenient toward the bees they create. If the human-bee cares to help the plants in the area by spending a short time as a bee and swear not to use insecticides, they will be returned to human form. This allows the humans to see the bee’s point of view. If they remain selfish, they will be poisoned and discarded.

Toumorokoshi no Obake

by Eucalyp

Corn plants may let thier ears take on terrifying ghostly faces if they are treated with insecticide. They’ve started doing this to fight back against the use of the chemicals that damage the bees and other pollinators. It will affect the whole field, since the corn plants grow fast and need each other for protection to stand against the wind. They stand together in all things, figuratively and literally. Farmers tend to take notice when the whole harvest is ruined.

Inari

Inari Ookami the Kami of the harvest has been distressed to see all the pesticides on the crops. Their blessing is being withdrawn from the harvest of those who continue to those chemicals.

Human Response

Farmers in the Nonogawa River Valley region are using more natural methods, such as:

spraying fruit bearing plants with vinegar introducing beneficial insects instead of insecticides

chop and drop style harvesting (where the plant isn’t removed, but tilled under to return the nutrients to the soil)

providing homes for all types of bees--honeybees, mason, leaf cutters, etc.

by Freepik

These methods allow the plants to redevelop their natural resistance to harmful pests, and make it more friendly for beneficial insects. Ants and others are sensing it may be safe to help pollinate again.
Researchers have developed drones to pollinate plants mimicking bees and and ones that deliver pollenized soap bubbles. In these areas, the yokai are a bit concerned about rough treatment of plants and soap contamination. Though they applaud the effort.
The yokai community in the Nonogawa area holds hope that humans might learn to care for the earth and all that dwells in it.

Localization

Japan, particularly the forested regions.

Type

Metaphysical, Supernatural

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Insects Near Bindweed by Ohara Koson (1877-1945). Original from The Rijksmuseum. Digitally enhanced by rawpixel.