Japan faces bear spray shortage as attacks rise, residents turn to ineffective alternatives
The repellent, which is mostly imported, costs between 15,000 yen (US$105) and 25,000 yen (US$176) and has a maximum shelf life of about four years.
“It may not be accessible until spring [2025] because so many customers are clamouring for bear spray,” Juri Nakao said.
Nakao said there was not much demand for the product a few years ago, but it is becoming increasingly difficult to find.