JAPAN

Study to analyze impact of bear sightings on elderly people

In Akita Prefecture, 67 people were attacked by bears, including four fatalities, in the year that ended in March.

By The Japan Times

• April 10, 2026 at 2:26 AM

Study to analyze impact of bear sightings on elderly people Photo: The Japan Times

Hidetaka Ota, head of Akita University's Advanced Research Center for Geriatric and Gerontology, in the city of Akita on Monday
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AKITA –
A study is planned to analyze the impact of bear appearances on the daily lives and mental health of older residents in Akita Prefecture, which had the largest number of bear attack victims in Japan in fiscal 2025.The study will be led by Hidetaka Ota, head of Akita University's Advanced Research Center for Geriatric and Gerontology
"We expect the study findings to be useful for other prefectures," Ota said.In the northeastern prefecture, 67 people were attacked by bears, including four fatalities, in the year that ended in March
Bear sightings were reported even in urban areas.

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