Japan addresses rising bear conflicts and ecosystem redesign

Japan is facing a significant rise in bear encounters, with reported sightings increasing nearly threefold from 6,315 cases in 2022 to over 17,000 by July this year. This surge has led to complex social and administrative challenges regarding human-wildlife coexistence.

In Maizuru, Kyoto Prefecture, the city conducted its first emergency shooting of a mother bear and her cubs to ensure resident safety. Following the action, Mayor Akitsu Kamoda reported receiving numerous harassing phone calls, with approximately 90 percent of inquiries consisting of slander or aggressive demands for explanations regarding the decision.

Addressing these systemic issues, the ENJIN2026 initiative, organized by Borderless Japan, held a session focused on redesigning forest watersheds. Participants, including social entrepreneurs and experts, discussed moving beyond simple capture methods to address the root causes of bear encroachment, such as declining forest maintenance and changing ecosystems, aiming to create a long-term blueprint for coexistence.