Bears have been causing a series of injuries to people, and with concerns about encounters in tourist areas during Golden Week, what should you do if you encounter one? [TV Asahi NEWS]
ootage taken in Akita City on the morning of the 29th captured a jet-black bear, estimated to be about 1 meter long. Another video shows it walking, sniffing the ground, possibly searching for food. The bear appeared near a breakwater along the coast of Akita City shortly after 10 a.m. on the 29th, the start of Golden Week. At the time, a fishing event was being held nearby, and it is believed that many anglers were present. When asked about the bear’s movements, one person said, “It went up into the bushes, then came back and went towards the sea. I was surprised at first, but I’m used to it now.” Did this bear come to the sea in search of food?
There have been numerous bear sightings in the area since the 27th. Many bears have been appearing in Akita Prefecture on a daily basis. On the evening of the 28th, a bear dashed across in front of a moving car on a national highway in the prefecture, narrowly avoiding a collision. In April alone, there have been over 300 bear sightings in Akita Prefecture. It wouldn’t be surprising if a bear appeared anytime, anywhere. Golden Week officially begins on the 29th. Caution was heightened at campsites in tourist areas.
Hirokazu Ishikawa of Hokuo no Mori Park Auto Campground: Sounds to scare away animals are played randomly 24 hours a day. At a campsite in Kitaakita City that has strengthened its bear countermeasures, the garbage area is also securely guarded with wire mesh. In addition, leaflets are available at the check-in counter to warn users. H
irokazu Ishikawa of Hokuo no Mori Park Auto Campground: We explain how to sort and store garbage, and what to do in the unlikely event that you encounter a bear. Campers were also enjoying camping while remaining vigilant. Camper: I always have firecrackers ready so I can set them off if a bear appears. Meanwhile, on the 28th, a bear was also sighted on the riverbank in Fukushima City. As a result, a walking event scheduled for the 29th, which was expected to have more than 1,000 participants, was abruptly canceled. Afterwards, police and others searched the area where the bear was sighted, but its whereabouts could not be determined. According to the city and police, it has been discovered that a man in black clothing was collecting wild plants at the scene around 3:30 p.m. on the 28th, when the bear was sighted. It is possible that the witness mistook the bear for a person. FNN Prime Online
In 2025, a surge in bear sightings and attacks gripped Japan. More than 230 bear attacks were reported in the country with 13 people dead. (REF https://www.env.go.jp/nature/choju/ef…) There is a sign that the boundary between humans and bears is disappearing. And soon, as winter ends, the bears will awaken once again. Originally on air on February 14, 2026.
