Ramen Shop Employee Fights Off bear attack with Judo skills in Japan
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A harrowing encounter in Aomori Prefecture, Japan, highlights teh increasing danger of bear attacks, as a 57-year-old ramen shop employee successfully defended himself against a bear cub using a judo technique. The incident, reported on November 17th, underscores the critical need for vigilance and self-defense across Japan, prompting concern among residents and authorities. While details of the broader trend remain under investigation, this particular incident offers a dramatic illustration of the potential for conflict.
A Morning Attack at the ramen Shop
On November 9th, a male clerk, identified only as Mr. A, was preparing for the morning rush at his ramen shop in Sanhe Town when he was suddenly attacked by a bear approximately one meter in length.The attack occurred between 5:00 and 5:30 a.m., as Mr. A was preparing to open the store, located about 3 kilometers southwest of Sanhe Station along a national highway.
“I arrived at the store around five o’clock in the morning,” Mr. A recounted. “When I walked into the store and was about to turn on the gas valve, I saw a black furry thing moving. I thought it was a big dog,but it turned out to be a bear. judging from its size, I thought it was a cub.It suddenly rushed towards my face and attacked me with its claws.”
The bear’s claws inflicted scratches around Mr. A’s right eye. Despite the initial shock and injury,he instinctively fought back. “I couldn’t avoid it and was scratched around my right eye,” he said. “I instinctively hit it in the face with my left hand, but it didn’t work. My hand hurts more than that. The bear’s body is like hard muscle, or simply put, the meat on its body is as thick as steel plates. It is completely different from humans.”
Judo to the Rescue
Recognizing the immediate threat to his life, Mr. A employed a surprising tactic. “I knew if I ran away,it would be all over and I would die,so I fought hard,” he explained. After initial attempts to strike the cub proved ineffective, he transitioned to a judo technique.
“No matter how many times I hit it, it wouldn’t move.My hands were in pain. so I changed my moves and hooked its legs. it rolled backwards. I was saved. This move is called ogaikari in judo.” the maneuver successfully swept the cub’s legs, throwing it to the ground and allowing it to flee into the nearby mountainous area.
Severe Injuries and a Bleak Outlook
The fight left Mr. A with significant injuries. “Blood gushes from my head and cannot stop even if I presses my right eye with my right hand,” he described. He attempted to staunch the bleeding with a towel, but it proved insufficient. The store owner discovered Mr. A covered in blood and promptly called for an ambulance.
Currently, Mr. A is experiencing pain in his waist and his right eye remains swollen, impairing his vision. Doctors have indicated that surgery might potentially be required to address the damage.
A Stark Warning: Conventional Advice May Be Insufficient
When asked about advice for others facing similar encounters, Mr. A offered a sobering assessment. “you can’t do anything,” he stated firmly. “People will say things like pretending to die or bending down to put on a defensive posture, but you are simply too late. They attack your face instantly. I was lucky it was a cub; if it had been a female bear I would have been too late. One punch could kill me.”
His experience casts doubt on the effectiveness of commonly recommended bear encounter strategies, especially in situations involving aggressive attacks. Mr. A now lives in fear,admitting,”I am now so scared of bears that I dare not go out in the morning.”
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