Japan implements safety measures amid rising bear sightings

Increased bear sightings in Japan are causing safety concerns and impacting local tourism. In Aomori Prefecture, an observatory near Lake Towada was closed following an attack on a foreign tourist. Local businesses have implemented multilingual signage to prevent bears from entering shops, while tourists have reported increased anxiety, often carrying bear bells or deterrent sprays.

In Utsunomiya City, authorities are responding to urban bear appearances by planning to install AI-powered surveillance cameras at suspected entry points. The city is also revising its emergency hunting manuals to enhance safety during search and capture operations.