Japan Today

Bears are showing up in Japanese towns, supermarkets, even airport runways — and the number of bear attacks is now higher than anywhere else in the world. In this episode of Japan Today Spotlight, we explore the reasons behind the dramatic surge: climate change, depopulated rural areas, rewilded landscapes and a younger generation of fearless bears. We also look at how Japan is responding — from hunting rules and AI patrols to safety advice for hikers — and why conservationists are urging a rethink.