Japanese tech firms enter bear safety market

By the Editorial Team · Thursday, June 25, 2026

Japanese companies have launched new safety products including a domestically produced bear repellent spray, a high-decibel sound and light deterrent device, and AI-powered bear detection systems in response to rising bear encounters across Japan. These innovations aim to reduce human-bear conflicts by enhancing prevention and early warning measures in vulnerable rural and suburban areas.

Japanese technology companies have introduced a range of new products aimed at enhancing safety and preventing bear encounters amid rising incidents of bear sightings and attacks across the country. These include bear repellent sprays, AI-based detection systems, and electronic deterrents equipped with loud alarms and flashing lights.

In May 2025, Biosiense Co, an animal pharmaceutical company headquartered in Tokushima Prefecture, launched Kumaichimokusan, one of the few domestically produced bear sprays. Prior to this, most bear repellents available in Japan had been imported. The spray was developed under the guidance of Yoshikazu Sato, a brown bear biologist and professor at Rakuno Gakuen University in Hokkaido. Kumaichimokusan dispenses a capsaicin-based irritant at concentrations exceeding 2 percent, designed to affect a bear’s eyes, nose, and respiratory system. The spray has an effective range of approximately 10 meters and releases for about 10 seconds per use. It is priced at 9,900 yen, including a holster. Yo Okutani, one of the product’s developers, said the spray aims to foster safe coexistence between humans and bears by helping maintain a safe distance.

Additionally, Boujyo Kenkyusho C, a pest control firm based in Gifu Prefecture, introduced a portable sound and light deterrent device named Ikazuchi this year, primarily targeting local governments and corporate clients. The device, which resembles a loudspeaker, emits 40 different types of high-frequency sounds exceeding 120 decibels and is equipped with potent flashing lights to scare away bears. The Ikazuchi is priced at 198,000 yen.

The same company also provides Bealert, a safety system that integrates security cameras with artificial intelligence technology to detect bear presence. Bealert is typically installed in areas such as parking lots near mountainous regions and factory entrances that border wildlife habitats. The service is offered on a subscription basis, with fees starting at 44,000 yen per month.

These emerging technologies reflect growing concerns over the increasing frequency of human-bear encounters in Japan’s rural and suburban areas, prompting efforts by private companies and local authorities to mitigate risks and promote safer interactions between humans and wildlife.

This article was reported by synthesizing coverage from multiple independent news outlets to present a balanced, unbiased account. Read about our editorial standards. Spotted an error? Let us know.