Japanese hornet; yellow hornet
Refers to the species Vespa simillima, especially the subspecies Vespa simillima simillima. A large hornet native to Japan.
The Japanese hornet is widely distributed in Japan.
If you find a Japanese hornet nest, do not approach it.
Standard katakana spelling for this species name.
Kanji spelling is rare; the word is usually written in kana.
Compound of 毛深 (kebuka, 'hairy') + 雀蜂 (suzumebachi, 'hornet'), referring to the hairier body compared to other hornets.