Beetle Queen Conquers Tokyo

Jessica Oreck works as an animal keeper and docent at the American Museum of Natural History in New York City. When not at the museum, Jessica spends her time inventing new ways to create a sense of wonder in the world. Beetle Queen Conquers Tokyo is Jessica's first feature film. She is currently in production on several animated science shows, building her own museum exhibition, and shooting her next two feature films.

Maiko Endo moved from Tokyo to New York in 2000. Since then she has been playing violin in bands and orchestras as well as composing and recording music for movie soundtracks and art exhibitions. Currently, she is writing her first feature-length film.

Akito Kawahara grew up fully bilingual and bicultural, attending a public school in Tokyo for one half of each year, and spending the other half in a private school in New York City. From the age of four, Akito and his father — like many fathers and sons in Japan — spent their weekends collecting insects. Akito earned his Ph.D. in entomology from the University of Maryland and is currently studying aquatic moths as a post-doctoral fellow at the University of Hawaii. While continuing his research on insects, Akito will continue to give lectures around the country about the contrast of insect culture between his two worlds, Japan and the United States.