HOKKAIDO, Aug 25 (News On Japan) –
The handiest choice if you encounter a bear and are about to be attacked is bear spray. Using capsaicin, it’s anticipated to gradual the animal’s actions and assist avert an assault.
In July 2024, a Tokyo-based firm launched a bear-spray rental enterprise headquartered in Makubetsu, Hokkaido. By reserving on the web site, clients can have a can delivered to a delegated resort or rental-car outlet for 3,850 yen for one evening and two days.
At the supply hub Honami Marche, Fujiwara stated, “We receive about two to three orders a day.”
Shiraiwa, the corporate’s consultant who lives in Tokyo, has been climbing within the Daisetsuzan vary for a few decade and has encountered bears virtually yearly. For hikers coming from exterior Hokkaido, he says buying bear spray is a hurdle. “When I tried to bring bear spray, I couldn’t take it on a plane. I had the same problem myself, and I thought many people were in the same situation, so I started this service,” stated Shiraiwa.
A single can prices roughly 10,000–20,000 yen, and carrying it on plane is prohibited, so demand for leases is rising, particularly amongst hikers from exterior the prefecture. According to Shiraiwa, “When we started last year, total rentals were about 100 cans. This year, as of July 2025 we had already exceeded 100, and we currently have around 140 including reservations.”
Rental choices have additionally begun at a Hokkaido-based reuse chain. Since April 2025, the “Nandemo Recycle Big Bang” chain has provided leases at 21 shops throughout Hokkaido and the Tohoku area. The payment is 1,000 yen for one evening and two days, with an extra 500 yen for every additional evening. To date there have been roughly 300 leases, about 80% by clients from exterior Hokkaido, with many borrowing from the Chitose retailer close to the airport.
Bear-spray leases are additionally accessible at customer facilities in Quasi-National Parks.
Bear spray doesn’t assure security, however hikers are urged to hold it as a precaution each time heading into the mountains.
Source: HBCニュース 北海道放送