#Japan #Aomori #Radish Boya #Aomori Apples #Bear Damage

Urgent Support for Aomori's Apple Farmers

In response to the increasing violent bear attacks on apple farms in Aomori, Radish Boya, part of Oisix Ra Daichi Inc., is launching a special support package named "Apple Support Set with Irregular Ingredients" starting November 10, 2025. This initiative aims to aid the Tsugaru Direct Sales Association, which has been significantly impacted by the rampant bear population.

Background on Bear Attacks

Reports show that bear sightings in Japan have surged this year, particularly in Aomori, where the number of encounters in April reached more than double the average of the past five years. Prompting the government to issue a "Black Bear Sighting Alert" from May 1 to November 30, 2025. Tragically, in October, a bear-related incident occurred in Aomori City. The local farmers faced dire circumstances, with over 100 bears captured in traps, highlighting the urgent need for protective measures.

The issue is not simply the presence of bears; it's their behavior when they become accustomed to consuming apples—a phenomenon termed "Apple Bear" by locals. Once these bears learn to associate apple orchards with food, they not only consume bountiful harvests but also mark trees to claim territory, making it risky for apple growers. As a result, the farmers must remove infected trees to avoid repeated incidents, leading to a notable decrease of 1.8 tons in apple yield this year alone, as 30 trees were cut down to reduce further risks.

To aid in efforts, the costs are substantial: adopting new safety measures, such as purchasing buggies and cages, exceeds 5 million yen. Additionally, staff are hesitant to work during peak bear hours, exacerbating labor shortages and delaying critical harvesting timelines as the impending snowfall looms.

How Radish Boya Provides Aid

Radish Boya proudly emphasizes supporting producers as a core value, and the desperate bear attacks highlight a pressing challenge for apple farmers. To combat these adversities, every purchase of the support package will see 100 yen donated to the Aomori apple producers facing bear threats. This money will specifically help fund bear mitigation strategies, including the installation of electric fences and the purchase of new saplings.

A quote from Takumitsu Saito, a farmer from the Tsugaru Direct Sales Association, captures the distressing reality: "Recently, our apple orchard has been overrun by 'Apple Bears,' destroying the fruits we’ve nurtured with care. Despite having support from municipal officials and hunters, the increasing number of bears claiming this area has left us struggling with a shortage of traps. In a bid for safety, our workers leave the fields as dusk falls, making it impossible to catch up on the necessary harvest tasks."

This initiative not only contributes financially but also creates a platform for awareness, allowing consumers to directly assist affected farmers.

Product Details

The support package, titled "Apple Support Set with Irregular Ingredients" includes a selection of hand-picked produce at a significant discount.

• - Availability: From November 10, 2025, 8 AM until sold out.
• - Delivery: Starting from November 17, 2025.
• - Price: 1,980 yen (tax included) for a set worth approximately 5,500 yen.
• - Contents: The package includes apples from the Tsugaru Direct Sales Association, featuring varieties like 'Hirosaki Fuji' or 'Gunma Meigetsu.'

More details are available on the Radish Boya website.

Radish Boya’s Commitment to Supporting Farmers

Radish Boya has a history of rallying support during natural disasters, demonstrating its commitment to help producers through various challenges. Previous initiatives include fundraising campaigns for farmers affected by typhoons and frost damage.

With this new support initiative, Radish Boya strives to continue fostering a supportive environment for farmers, ensuring they can produce crops safely and sustainably, and contribute positively to their communities in Aomori and beyond.

For more information about Radish Boya and their initiatives, visit the official brand site.