Japan bear meat demand rises amid record wildlife attacks

A surge in bear attacks across Japan has led to a spike in demand for bear meat at specialized restaurants. In the Chichibu mountains near Tokyo, the Suzukaen restaurant has seen such high interest that owner and hunter Koji Suzuki reports that even five or six bears per year are insufficient to meet customer demand.

Due to the scarcity, the restaurant has moved bear meat from its standard menu to special sets featuring wild boar and deer, or as a hot pot broth. Customers are reportedly calling months in advance to ensure availability.

This culinary trend follows a period of unprecedented wildlife conflict. Japan recorded a record 13 deaths from bear attacks during the previous fiscal year, and at least six deaths have already been reported in the current cycle. Experts attribute the rising frequency of encounters to rural depopulation, an aging population, and food shortages in forest habitats. In response, Japanese authorities have approved plans to capture and cull at least 10,000 bears during the current fiscal year.