A supermarket in Akita City became the scene of an extraordinary standoff when a bear entered the store, attacked a worker, and remained inside for nearly three days. The alarming incident began on the morning of 30 November at the Itoku Tsuchizaki Minato supermarket, near Akita Port, leaving the community shaken.
The bear, measuring approximately one metre in length, made its way into the store as 21 employees were preparing for the day’s opening at 6:30 am. During the chaos, the animal attacked a 47-year-old employee, causing serious head and facial injuries. In a courageous act, a coworker discovered the injured man and carried him to safety, even as the bear loomed nearby. The injured employee is now in stable condition at a local hospital, with the swift actions of his colleague credited with saving his life.
The bear’s presence in the supermarket triggered an immediate and extensive response from authorities, including licensed hunters and police. The dramatic situation, which lasted nearly three days, has raised concerns about human-wildlife interactions in the region.
This incident underscores the need for vigilance and preparedness in urban areas where wildlife encounters are becoming increasingly common. As the supermarket staff and the wider Akita community recover from the ordeal, this event serves as a stark reminder of the unpredictable challenges posed by nature.
