Japanese vending machines have long been known for their diverse offerings, from whale meat to snails-in-a-can and even edible insects. But now, a new item has been added to the menu: wild bear meat.
According to a report in the Mainichi Shimbun, a vending machine in Semboku city is selling different cuts of local black bear meat, which is hunted in nearby mountains by local hunters. Customers can purchase either fatty or lean meat for around 2,200 yen ($17; £13) per 250g.
The machine is run by a local restaurant called Soba Goro, and reportedly sells 10-15 packs of bear meat each week. However, the supply is limited to the hunting season and may run out of stock if the season is lean.
Asiatic black bears are considered internationally vulnerable, and Japan limits the number that can be hunted. The vending machine in Semboku stands at the entrance to Tazawako station, where the country’s famed Shinkansen bullet train stops, making it a popular destination for tourists.
While licensed hunters are allowed to shoot and kill bears in Japan, the meat is considered a delicacy and is not commonly found on restaurant menus. Since the bear meat vending machine was installed in November 2022, Soba Goro has reportedly received inquiries from the Kanto region around Tokyo.
According to a Soba Goro representative, “Bear meat tastes clean, and it doesn’t get tough, even when cold. It can be enjoyed in a wide range of dishes, from stew to steaks.”
However, some experts are concerned about the increasing number of bear attacks in recent years. More bears have been leaving forests and entering cities because they are running out of food, while Japan’s dwindling human population has also been a factor. The government caps the number of black bears that can be hunted at 12% of their estimated population, which is thought to be around 15,000.
Despite concerns about the bear population, vending machines remain a ubiquitous part of Japanese culture. Japan has the world’s highest number of vending machines per capita, with machines located in a wide variety of places, from small alleyways to remote villages.
In January 2022, controversy arose when an unmanned outlet in the port town of Yokohama near Tokyo set up three vending machines offering different varieties of whale meat for as little as 1,000 yen. While some view these vending machines as a convenient way to purchase unique food items, others are concerned about the impact on animal populations and the environment.
