Bear meat sold at vending machine at station in Japan for £13

A vending machine near Tazawako Station in Akita, Japan has started to sell locally-captured bear meat. Local restaurant Soba Goro installed the machine in November 2018 to target tourists wanting to taste something different. The meat comes from wild bears captured by a local hunting club during the hunting season – they are then processed in a local slaughterhouse. It is sold around the clock, costing £13 per pack, with “black bear” and “bear meat” displayed prominently. The meat is also available for mail order from regions around Tokyo. Vending machine sales average between 10 and 15 packs per week.

A Soba Goro spokesperson commented on the taste, saying the bear meat tasted “clean” and does not become tough even when cold. The meat can be prepared in a variety of ways, including stews and steaks.

Bear farms are illegal in Japan, but hunting and eating game is permitted with a licence. About 150 bears are captured in Akita every year, 80% of which are sold to professional chefs. This trade has often been criticised by animal rights groups, who argue that animals are kept in inhumane conditions and that their consumption can lead to health problems, such as the spread of diseases between species.

The vending machine is one of several in Japan offering exotic food items, including snakes and roasted insects. As tourist numbers increase, more and more companies are looking to capitalise by exploiting the country’s image as a hub for cutting-edge culture and eccentricity.

Since 2006, the overall number of tourists visiting Japan has risen by 11 times, reaching a record 31 million visitors in 2018. The country aims to invite 40 million international tourists by 2020, when the Tokyo Olympics will take place. The expanded tourism industry may have both positive and negative consequences. On the one hand, it will help spread Japan’s economic and cultural influence, as well as bring in welcome revenue for businesses. On the other hand, it could lead to negative cultural change and increased environmental degradation.

Source link