Bear encounters have become an almost daily occurrence in Japan, worrying residents, travellers and farmers, and disrupting outdoor leisure businesses.
Now, insurers are stepping in with solutions.
Tokio Marine & Nichido Fire Insurance has announced a new policy designed to support hotels and leisure operators affected by bear intrusions. The coverage includes compensation for lost revenue and expenses incurred to strengthen safety measures.
Japan is currently grappling with a record wave of bear-related fatalities, with 13 deaths reported since April. Government data shows 197 people have been attacked so far, alongside 20,792 bear sightings, according to an article by The Japan Times.
Both the US and UK embassies have issued travel advisories highlighting the risks to visitors.
A division of MS&AD Insurance Group Holdings provides assistance to municipal governments in conducting emergency bear-hunting operations, with fees starting at JPY300,000 (approximately $1,900).