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Japan is currently experiencing a wave of bear attacks on humans, with 13 fatal attacks across the country since April. That’s a record, according to the Japan Times. They say incidents have ranged from reports of the animals “entering homes, roaming near schools, and rampaging in supermarkets.”
A recent video posted by a snowboarder named Makoto Kuroko captures a terrifying close call, and he believes he was just moments from becoming an addition to this year’s tragic statistics. The footage shows Kuroko enjoying a solo early-morning run when a bear, who is downslope, darts in his direction. He keeps his line and the bear appears to be chasing him for a brief moment before giving up.
A memorable moment from my first run of the season: meeting a bear on the slopes 🧸
Let’s enjoy winter sports while respecting nature and protecting our mountains 🏔️❄️🐻🏂🛹 pic.twitter.com/G5Yfp2qPvz— MAKOTO KUROKI (@MK2BLACK) December 8, 2025
“It nearly collided with me … and our eyes met,” he told the Japan Times. “Had I fallen, I would have been caught. Had I collided, I might have been attacked. It was a close call.”
A memorable moment from my first run of the season: meeting a bear on the slopes 🧸
Let’s enjoy winter sports while respecting nature and protecting our mountains 🏔️❄️🐻🏂🛹 pic.twitter.com/G5Yfp2qPvz— MAKOTO KUROKI (@MK2BLACK) December 8, 2025
Kuroko gave more context to the entire incident on his personal blog. The video is shocking, but the snowboarder feels the public should have the full picture of the circumstances that have contributed to Japan’s wave of attacks and encounters, as well as understand how local ski resorts have been addressing the issue to ensure public safety.
He attributes the rising number of deer in the area to more sightings in the village. A warmer early winter, he says, may have kept some bears from entering hibernation. He points out that Hakuba has been implementing bear safety measures since autumn.
Measures include warnings broadcast on village speakers when bears are sighted and a public “Bear Sighting Map” to identify high-risk areas. The bears are also being driven away using firecrackers and other methods by authorities.
Kuroko also took a moment to point out that the entire incident has given him a greater appreciation for nature and for his love of snowboarding.
“We are able to enjoy skiing and snowboarding thanks to the mountains — home to bears, deer, and many other wildlife species. I am once again reminded to appreciate this environment that we are borrowing,” he wrote. “As a professional snowboarder, I will continue promoting safe and enjoyable outdoor sports while respecting the natural world around us.”
