Key Facts
• Bear sightings and incidents reported across Japan, including Tokyo and Hokkaido.
• New ‘Bear Insurance’ compensates up to ¥30 million for damages caused during bear removal.
• Insurance premiums range from ¥30,000 to ¥100,000, based on bear sightings.
• Over 100 municipalities have expressed interest in the insurance.
• September 1, 2025: Revised Wildlife Protection Law introduces emergency firearm use in urban areas.
• Conditions for firearm use include imminent danger, lack of alternatives, and ensured resident safety.
• Hunters now legally protected under the new emergency hunting system.
• Case of a hunter penalized in 2018 for shooting a bear near a residence remains unresolved.
• Experts urge authorities to consider hunters’ perspectives in decision-making.
• Hunters emphasize the risks and skills required for bear removal, countering public misconceptions.
Summary
Japan faces a surge in bear-related incidents, prompting legal and insurance measures. The revised Wildlife Protection Law, effective September 2025, allows firearm use in urban areas under strict conditions. To address financial risks, ‘Bear Insurance’ offers compensation for damages during bear removal, with premiums based on regional bear sightings. Over 100 municipalities have shown interest in the policy. Experts highlight the importance of protecting hunters, who face significant risks and legal challenges. A 2018 case of a hunter penalized for shooting a bear near a residence underscores the need for balanced regulations. Calls for integrating hunters’ insights into policy decisions continue, as public misconceptions about bear removal persist.
