Close Call: Japanese Snowboarder Dodges Bear in Tense Video

The Japan Times, an English-language Japanese newspaper, reported that Kuroki’s encounter comes as the island nation is dealing with an uptick of deaths caused by bears, for a record of 13 since April.

In a separate article, the outlet noted that the environment ministry has earmarked millions of dollars to support bear countermeasures. That initiative, which is proposed, includes recruiting former police officers to work as “armed hunters.” It would also involve subsidies for traps and drones that monitor bears, offered to local government.

Kuroki later wrote a blog post sharing his side of the story. 

He said he ran into the bear on December 7, 2025. According to his post, since then, Hakuba and its ski resorts have implemented stronger bear safety measures, building on protocols already in place through the summer and fall seasons. The local hunting association has increased patrols, he wrote.

He also pointed to village-wide warnings broadcast through speaker systems, a bear sighting map, and the use of firecrackers to ward off bears.

As for staying safe as a skier or snowboarder, Kuroki suggested carrying a whistle and keeping a close eye on your surroundings. 

Why are the bears roaming more often this season? Kuroki thinks it has to do with the warm early-season weather, an increasing population of deer, and a short supply of acorns, a vital food source. 

“Under these conditions, some bears may not have been able to enter hibernation,” he wrote.

Hakuba47, the resort where Kuroki said he spotted the bear, also noted patrols have increased following the sighting. The mountain asked guests “to refrain from eating outdoors or leaving food outside for the time being.”