Japan has its first vending machine dedicated to selling bear meat, in Semboku City, Akita Prefecture, northern Japan. Installed in March 2023, this unmanned “Kuma Niku Jido Hanbai-ki” (Bear Meat Vending Machine) addresses rising bear intrusions into human areas by turning culled animals into a local delicacy. Operated by the nearby Soba Goro restaurant, it’s positioned near JR Tazawako Station at the Tazawako Ichi local product shop, catering to tourists and residents via Japan’s famous 24/7 vending culture. As of November 2025, it remains operational with no reports of closure, though sales have stabilized at a niche level.
Launch and Purpose
- Debut: March 29, 2023, as a novel way to distribute meat from Asian black bears (Ursus thibetanus, a vulnerable species per IUCN) hunted under Japan’s regulated quotas to manage overpopulation and prevent attacks—bear incidents in Akita rose 20% in 2022.
- Sourcing: Meat comes from bears captured by local Matagi (traditional hunters) in the surrounding mountains, processed at Soba Goro. This promotes sustainable use of “problem” wildlife while reviving interest in bear cuisine, once a staple in rural diets but now rare due to declining consumption.
- Innovation Angle: Blends Japan’s 2.3 million+ vending machines (world’s highest per capita) with eco-tourism; the machine features whimsical bear illustrations and bilingual signs.
Products Available
The machine dispenses frozen, vacuum-sealed packs ready for home cooking (e.g., stewing or grilling—bear meat is lean, gamey, and nutrient-rich, akin to venison). Stock rotates based on hunts, but core offerings include:
| Product | Description | Price (JPY) | Pack Size | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fatty Bear Meat | Marbled cuts from the belly/shoulder, ideal for stews or yakiniku (grilled BBQ) | 2,200 (~$14 USD) | 250g | Rich flavor, higher fat content for tenderness |
| Lean Bear Meat | Muscle cuts from the leg/back, suited for sashimi (after thawing) or stir-fries | 2,200 (~$14 USD) | 250g | Lower calorie, more chewy texture; popular for health-conscious buyers |
| Mixed Bear Cuts | Assorted lean/fatty blend for variety | 2,200 (~$14 USD) | 250g | Entry-level option for first-timers |
Current Status (2025)
- Sales: Steady at 10–15 packs weekly, boosted by Akita Shinkansen passengers and social media buzz—early 2023 videos went viral, drawing ~100 visitors/month initially. No major 2024–2025 expansions, but it’s a fixture in local guides.
- Public Reaction: Positive among Japanese locals and tourists for its novelty and cultural tie-in (Matagi heritage); international media hails it as “surprisingly successful.” Critics from conservation groups note the irony of vending vulnerable species, but hunts are capped at ~100 bears/year in Akita for population control.
- Accessibility: Open 24/7; cash/card payments. Nearby, Soba Goro offers fresh bear dishes if the machine’s out of stock.
Bear meat isn’t very common so we want tourists who come to visit the town to buy it
Sato