Japan releases its 1st bear spray standards amid fears over ineffective products

On August 25, Japan's Environment Ministry and other bodies released Japan's inaugural set of recommended performance standards for bear sprays, alongside guidance aimed at consumers seeking to select and utilize these products effectively. Bear spray serves to safeguard lives during close encounters with bears. As bear attacks have surged in Japan, there has been growing concern over the proliferation of subpar products that offer minimal efficacy, prompting the recommendations.

Most bear sprays contain capsaicin, the active ingredient in chili peppers, which is intended to irritate bears' eyes and noses, thereby deterring attacks. However, Japan lacks established standards or a system to verify product effectiveness. Some items are marketed as "bear countermeasures" despite being tear gas sprays designed for human use.

Moreover, certain products on the market bear labels akin to those from the United States, which maintains a registration system for pepper sprays. A report by the Shiretoko brown bear countermeasures liaison council, comprising representatives from the national government, local governments in Hokkaido, and other entities, detailed a fatal bear attack on a male hiker near Mount Rausu in Hokkaido in August 2025.

The report revealed that a spray deployed by the victim's companion was actually tear gas, unsuitable for bears, possibly depleted or failing to discharge. The ministry's newly published guidelines for bear sprays stipulate desirable attributes, including a capsaicin concentration of approximately 1% to 2%, a spray range of no less than 7.5 meters, a minimum spray duration of six seconds, and a design enabling users to discern the spray direction by touch alone.

The Consumer Affairs Agency and other stakeholders also provided advice on selecting bear sprays. To circumvent inferior products, consumers are urged to verify that items are intended for bear deterrence and to examine performance labels, such as spray range, before purchase. It is also advised not to remove the safety clip during storage or transport to prevent gas leakage.