Coming Face to Face With Tigers in Okinawa
The Japanese Tiger Beetle is an incredibly colored, yet ferocious looking, beetle that is almost impossible to approach during the day. By night it's a different story.
Photographing the Japanese Tiger Beetle in Okinawa
On one of my early treks towards Fukugawa waterfall, I first came across the Japanese Tiger Beetle. At the time, I wasn’t even looking for it—just pausing along the path when a sudden flash of metallic green and bronze darted across the trail. Sleek, fast, and utterly untouchable, it seemed to vanish as quickly as it appeared. That fleeting glimpse was enough to pique my curiosity, and I quickly learned just how elusive these beetles are during the day. They’re masters of speed and perception, bolting away at the slightest approach, leaving me with little more than a memory of iridescent armor glinting in the sun.
A focus stacked image comprising of 8 images of a very compliant subject deep in a nightly slumber.
What I soon discovered is that the key to photographing the Japanese Tiger Beetle lies not in daylight but in darkness. By night, these fierce little predators become dormant, their restless energy subdued as they cling motionless to low plants or exposed earth. With a careful torch beam and quiet movements, I found myself able to approach them at last. The challenge shifted from chasing speed to capturing stillness—illuminating that gleaming exoskeleton with just enough light to reveal its colors without disturbing it. Those night encounters gave me the opportunity to truly study their form, from the scissor-like jaws to the fine, delicate legs poised as if ready to spring back to life at any moment.
Photographing the Japanese Tiger Beetle has taught me patience and persistence, as well as the value of knowing when to change tactics. By day, they remain out of reach, teasing from the edge of vision; by night, they surrender their secrets to those willing to wait. In many ways, they embody the spirit of Okinawa’s wilderness—vibrant, tenacious, and not easily given to human intrusion. Each image I manage to capture feels less like a trophy and more like a quiet handshake with a creature that defines its world on its own terms. And for me, that’s the kind of challenge that keeps the camera in my hand and my boots on the trail.
I found in some individuals they like to attach themselves to vegetation by night using their impressive jaws to hold themselves in place.
My first ever encounter in Okinawa with the Japanese Tiger Beetle was during a walk to Fukugawa Falls for a client photoshoot.
Through nocturnal forays and encounters I realized the Japanese Tiger Beetle prefers, above all, jungle ferns as a place to rest.
About the Author
Internationally recognized as a provider of quality mixed media Mark Thorpe is always on the search for captivating imagery.
Photographer / Cameraman
Mark Thorpe
Emmy Award Winning wildlife cameraman and Internationally published landscape photographer Mark Thorpe has been an adventurer since he could walk! Spending 17yrs as an Underwater Cameraman at the start of his imaging career the highlight of which was being contracted to work with National Geographic. In that role as a field producer and predominantly underwater cameraman he's been privy to a mixed bag of hair raising adventures. For some reason he was always selected for projects relating to large toothed marine predators such as Great White and Tiger Sharks, Sperm Whales, and Fur Seals. Additionally he has also been active within Southern Africa on terrestrial projects dealing with a wide array of iconic wildlife.
Currently based in Okinawa, Japan, he has established himself there as the leading ocean, wildlife and landscape photographer. Always on the lookout for that next big adventure he has travelled extensively throughout the islands of Okinawa to document their beauty and natural history. He shares his exploits online with a totally organic social audience. Videography wise he continues to create short form content to promote the diversity of wildlife within the Okinawa prefecture.
Mark also plans, offers and guides completely bespoke wildlife experiences for private sector clientele. Whether you're a photographer looking to document the behavior of a specific species or indeed a nature loving couple/individual looking to that totally immersive and all encompassing experience. From single multiple hour options through to multiple day experiences trips and experiences are created with the view to witnessing the truly wild spectacle that Okinawa offers without being treated, or seen, as just another visitor to the island. Should you wish to experience this truly awesome side of wild Okinawa then all you have to do to get the ball rolling is click on the Contact page and fire off any questions you may have about the currently available adventures.