Review: Brilliant Darkness: Hotaru in the Night

Abstract

Brilliant Darkness: Hotaru in the Night . (DVD; 2015; 21 minutes; Zoological Lighting Institute, www.brilliantdarknessmovie.com/the-film) In Japanese, the word “hotaru” means firefly. These insects have long been part of the Japanese culture, often appearing in myths and artwork. They are revered because they represent the warmth of love, and their nocturnal lightshows suggest otherworldly existence. However, the fireflies of Japan, and around the globe, are disappearing. The Zoological Lighting Institute has produced a video called “Brilliant Darkness: Hotaru in the Night,” that delves into the plight of the firefly. Research has pinpointed human-generated light pollution as a primary cause of the decrease in firefly populations. Most fireflies need darkness in order to flash (there are a few species that are active during …