Bear Attacks In Japan Hit Record 238 With 13 Deaths In Fiscal 2025

TOKYO, April 7 (Bernama-Kyodo) -- Bear attacks injured or killed a record 238 people across Japan in fiscal 2025, which ended last month, with 13 deaths also marking an all-time high, the government said Tuesday, Kyodo News reported.

Both figures far exceeded the previous records set in fiscal 2023, when 219 people were attacked and six died, according to preliminary data released by the Environment Ministry.

In November 2025, Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi's administration revised a countermeasure package in response to increased attacks, including labour cost subsidies for licensed hunters appointed as public servants.

In March, the central government also drew up a roadmap incorporating regional capture targets and other steps.

-- BERNAMA-KYODO