TOKYO - A hunter who had his firearm license revoked over a controversial shooting during a brown bear culling operation won a reversal in Japan's Supreme Court on March 27th, bringing an end to a seven-year legal battle and clearing the way for him to resume hunting.
The case centered on a 2018 incident in Hokkaido involving the culling of a brown bear, an issue that has taken on renewed urgency as sightings were already reported as early as March 22nd this year, raising concerns over further wildlife-related damage in 2026.
Osao Ikegami, the hunter involved, had responded to a request from the city of Sunagawa at the time and shot a bear with a hunting rifle in the presence of police officers. However, his firearm license was revoked the following year on the grounds that the bullet could have reached nearby buildings.
Ikegami filed a lawsuit against the Hokkaido government seeking to overturn the administrative action, arguing that the shooting had been conducted safely and outside of densely populated residential areas.
Ikegami said, "If hunters are asked to act and then later told they should not have fired, it raises the question of what we are supposed to trust."
In the first trial, the court ruled in Ikegami’s favor, stating that the bullet had remained inside the bear’s body and that the shooting could not be deemed inappropriate, thereby finding the revocation illegal.
However, the second instance court overturned that decision, arguing that a bullet passing through the bear could have struck obstacles and changed trajectory, and that there were no structures present to block its path, ultimately rejecting Ikegami’s claims.
The ruling sparked concern among hunters in Hokkaido, who warned it could discourage necessary wildlife control efforts.
Rito Takasaki, head of the Mikasa branch of the Hokkaido Hunters Association, said, "The shift from a favorable ruling to a loss was a major shock. It has effectively restricted field operations, and many hunters may hesitate, fearing their licenses could be revoked if they act."
On March 27th, the Supreme Court overturned the second-instance ruling and sided with Ikegami, delivering a final judgment in his favor.
Ikegami welcomed the decision, saying, "It affirmed what is common sense for hunters. It felt as though the presiding judge showed understanding not only for Hokkaido but for hunters across the country."
With the ruling, Ikegami’s long legal fight has come to an end, and he is now expected to resume bear culling operations using a hunting rifle for the first time in seven years.
Reflecting on the outcome, Ikegami said, "It feels like a long battle has finally ended. With bear-related damage occurring in many areas, this ruling should provide reassurance. It was a long fight, but in a way, it was a meaningful one."
Source: YOMIURI
