17:38 JST, July 27, 2026

The summer mountain climbing season has begun. This year, there has already been a spate of cases where climbers and others were attacked by bears. Mountain goers should stay alert to bear sighting reports issued by local governments and avoid entering dangerous areas.

According to the National Police Agency, a record 3,623 people were involved in mountain accidents last year, up 266 from the previous year. In addition to an increase in accidents involving foreign nationals visiting Japan, people attacked by bears tripled to 27 from the previous year.

In addition, this year, climbers and others have been attacked by bears in Okutama in Tokyo and the Hakkoda Mountains in Aomori Prefecture, prompting local governments to close trails.

Bears inhabit a wide range of regions across Japan, except for........

© The Japan News