My first year in Japan was spent doing the eikaiwa thing, and it coincided with a media franchise called ムシキング being faddish among kids. Many of them not only had pet beetles, they'd bring them to class in plastic cages.
Ugh. I didn't get it. Still less freaky than tarantulas, though, I guess.
My first encounter with a kabutomushi was in an eikaiwa too. At the time, I didn't get either, but now that I have two in my house, it makes more sense to me. They're big enough to feel more like animals than insects, and they are fun to watch.
Tarantulas, though, I don't think I'd be okay with that:)