Protecting a World Heritage village from bears: 10 “Kuma Sonic” devices installed in Shirakawa, Gifu Prefecture

In Shirakawa Village, Gifu Prefecture—home to the UNESCO World Heritage site known for its traditional gassho-style farmhouses—ten “Kuma Sonic” devices designed to repel bears using high-frequency sound were installed on April 21–22. The installations were carried out by Specially Appointed Professor Masachika Tsuji and his team from the Organization for Research and Community Collaboration at Okayama University of Science. Village officials expressed hope that the devices will help ensure the safety of both residents and visitors.

The Shirakawa-go Gassho-style Village, lined with traditional homes built to withstand heavy snowfall, was designated a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1995 as part of the “Historic Villages of Shirakawa-go and Gokayama.” Tourism has surged in recent years: in 2025, the village welcomed 2.11 million visitors, a 12.8% increase from the previous year, with international tourists making up 53% of the total.

At the same time, bear sightings have risen sharply. The number of reported sightings jumped from 35 in fiscal 2024 to 137 in fiscal 2025—nearly a fourfold increase. On October 5 last year, a Spanish tourist in his 40s suffered minor injuries after being scratched on the arm from behind by what is believed to have been a cub near a shuttle bus stop in the village.

In response, the village quickly installed warning signs reading “Beware of Bears” at 20 locations.

This fiscal year, Shirakawa has rolled out a three-pronged strategy to address the issue:

1.    Installing “Kuma Sonic” devices that emit high-frequency sound to deter bears
2.    Cutting down fruit-bearing trees such as persimmon and chestnut that attract bears
3.    Creating buffer zones by clearing forested areas along the mountain edges by about 30 meters

The decision to install Kuma Sonic devices was influenced by their successful use in Nanto, where they were introduced in June last year. The system was developed by T.M.WORKS, an automotive parts manufacturer based in Yamanashi, and its effectiveness is currently being studied by Professor Tsuji. The device emits high-frequency sound—unpleasant to bears—across a range of approximately 100 to 300 meters, covering a 50-degree angle in all directions to keep them away.

Installation took place after the snow melted. Professor Tsuji, company president Hideaki Todoroki, and others worked with Kazunari Takashima, head of the village’s industry division, to identify five high-risk locations with frequent bear sightings. At each site, they installed poles fitted with solar panels, high-frequency generators, and speakers.

Takashima noted that bear activity significantly disrupts daily life for residents. “Some tourists ignore restricted areas marked with caution tape or leave food waste behind, which creates additional problems,” he said. “The most important thing is to keep bears from coming close in the first place. That’s why we have high hopes for Kuma Sonic.”

Professor Tsuji added, “We’d be glad if this can help protect residents and visitors, even a little, from the threat of bears.”