According to AFP, the number of deaths caused by bear attacks in Japan in 2025 reached 13 — more than double the previous year’s figure. Meanwhile, reports of bear sightings across the country totaled 50,000, also exceeding previous records by over 100%. Driven by surging demand, Ohta Seiki, a robotics manufacturer based in Hokkaido, has seen an overwhelming influx of orders for its animatronic wolf robot, ‘Monster Wolf’: so far this year, it has received orders for 50 units, a volume the company usually struggles to fulfill in an entire year. President Yuji Ohta stated, “Our production capacity simply can’t keep up with demand,” noting that customers currently have to wait two to three months for delivery.
Priced at over $4,000 per unit, Monster Wolf features infrared sensors, 50 built-in animal-deterrent sound effects, red glowing eyes, blue underbody lighting, and a neck capable of side-to-side movement. It runs on a 12V car battery and offers an optional solar charging panel. Ohta Seiki plans to launch a portable version tailored for hikers, anglers, and students, while also exploring the integration of AI-powered cameras to further enhance its effectiveness in deterring bears. Previously, Ishinomaki City in Miyagi Prefecture deployed drones capable of precisely dispensing repellent within a 1-kilometer radius to tackle the growing bear problem; now, Japan seems to be developing an ever-growing array of technological solutions to combat bear-related threats.