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Wild bears spotted near urban areas in Hokkaido, Japan. / AP, Yonhap

Amid a surge in bear sightings and casualties in Hokkaido, Japan, the South Korean Consulate General in Sapporo has launched a safety support initiative offering free rentals of bear spray and bear bells to South Korean tourists and residents.

The Consulate General in Sapporo announced that it has been running the "Free Bear Spray and Bear Bell Rental" program since April of this year for South Korean nationals living in or traveling to Hokkaido. The service operates from April through November, the peak season for bear encounters.

Bear sightings have escalated into a major social issue in Japan recently. According to the Consulate General, bear-related casualties in Japan hit a record high in 2025, with 238 people injured and 13 fatalities. Among those, Hokkaido accounted for six casualties and two deaths.

Brown bear encounters have also skyrocketed in Sapporo, the largest city in Hokkaido and a popular destination for South Korean travelers. Reported brown bear sightings within Sapporo reached 363 incidents, marking a 267% increase from the 99 cases reported the previous year. As Hokkaido encompasses multiple areas frequented by South Korean tourists—including Sapporo, Otaru, Biei, Furano, Lake Toya, and Shiretoko—concern over travel safety continues to grow.

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An official safety notice from the Consulate General of the Republic of Korea in Sapporo.

The South Korean Consulate General explained that while bear sightings and casualties are being heavily reported by both local Japanese and South Korean media, this marks the first time a free rental service for bear spray and bear bells has been offered to South Korean nationals. Bear spray is an emergency tool used during close encounters, whereas bear bells serve as a preventive measure by alerting bears to human presence on mountain trails.

For South Korean tourists visiting Hokkaido for short stays, the financial burden of purchasing safety gear has been substantial. Bear spray is relatively expensive, costing around 10,000 yen per canister. Furthermore, because it is prohibited on aircraft, travelers cannot bring it back to South Korea even if purchased locally, forcing them to deal with both the cost and disposal issues simultaneously.

South Korean tourists and residents who wish to rent bear spray and bear bells can borrow them free of charge by visiting the Consulate General in Sapporo. The items can simply be returned to the consulate before departing the country. Inquiries can be made via the consulate's main telephone number, and further details are available on its official website.

The Consulate General stated that its policy aims to ensure South Korean nationals visiting Hokkaido are aware of the risks of bear encounters beforehand and can travel fully equipped with the necessary safety gear.

                                                                                                       Choe Young-jae