Yogi Bear Found In Japanese Vending Machine

Have you ever wanted to buy bear meat from a vending machine? Well, you’re in luck. Located in Semboku, Japan. Daishi Sato, owner of a small sobu noodle shop just down the street from the Semboku railway station about 250 miles north of Tokyo has what you’re looking for. Daishi Sato’s vending machine contains Asian Black Bear that he states is caught by hunters in traps. Eating bear in Japan is far from the popularity it is in the United States. It is uncommon and has drawn a rise in tourism to Semboku. Daishi Sato stated his vending machine sells around 7 to 10 packs of bear meat. Each pack of bear meat earns him 2,200 yen (17 USD).

The hunters that provide the bear meat to Daishi Sato are part of a hunting club that is allotted tags in their local mountains. The locals say that the bear meat is best with curry. So if you ever find yourself in Japan, take a train trip up to Semboku for a sobu meal with fresh bear meat.