Japan’s Rising Bear Attacks Drive Surge in Demand for Deterrent Products

Bear bells come in a variety of sizes and types. (© Nippon.com)

A display of bear deterrent goods at Sakaiya Sports. (© Nippon.com)

Bear deterrent goods on display at a regional disaster prevention trade show in Tokyo in May, 2026. (© Jiji)

The Bealert system uses cameras equipped with AI sensors to detect bears, then warns residents and repels the animal by blasting it with loud sounds. (© Bōjo Kenkyūsho/PR Times)

Akita Prefecture’s bear sighting map, Kumadas. (© Jiji)

bear leans on the Bear Smart Box during a demonstration experiment at Noboribetsu Bear Farm. (© Noboribetsu Bear Farm/PR Times)