- Japan is witnessing a sharp rise in bear sightings as animals emerge from winter hibernation, prompting increased danger warnings.
- Last year, 238 bear attacks resulted in injuries and 13 fatalities, with recent incidents including a woman found dead in Iwate in a suspected bear encounter.
- In recent years, authorities have issued alerts in prefectures such as Aomori, Iwate, and Fukushima, and are urging caution ahead of Japan's 'Golden Week' national holidays.
- In response to the threat, a town in Miyagi prefecture has moved daily exercise indoors, with a local supermarket opening a climate-controlled walking course for residents.
- Experts suggest that factors like past shortages of beechnuts may be pushing bears into urban areas, and predict a 'turbulent spring' with continued high risk of encounters.
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