The past year has brought some unique challenges to the northern regions of Japan. As we move through the heart of winter, I find myself thinking about the people of Tohoku and hoping for a peaceful spring ahead.
A Record Year for Bear Encounters
In the summer of 2025, Japan faced an unprecedented rise in bear sightings and incidents. According to the Ministry of the Environment, there were 197 reported casualties by the end of October—a significant increase from 85 the previous year.
What was particularly striking was seeing bears appear in areas where they are rarely spotted. The situation reached a point where major insurance companies, such as Tokio Marine & Nichido Fire Insurance, began offering coverage for businesses forced to suspend operations due to bear-related risks. It was a stark reminder of the changing boundaries between nature and our daily lives.
Memories of Tohoku: Towada and Fukushima
While many travelers flock to Tokyo, Kyoto, or Hokkaido, the Tohoku region has a quiet, profound beauty that stays with you.
I still vividly remember my time in Towada City, Aomori. I spent the evenings enjoying local sake and chatting with the residents. A highlight was the Towada Art Center, where I saw the famous, giant sculpture of a woman (Standing Woman by Ron Mueck). Seeing it in person was breathtaking and inspired me to visit other contemporary art museums across Japan.
To see the Standing Woman, visit the website (https://towadaartcenter.com/en/collection/standing-woman)
I have also visited Fukushima Prefecture several times. There is a slow, gentle flow of time there that I find incredibly healing. Sitting near Aizu-Wakamatsu Station (picture attached), eating local soba noodles and sipping regional sake, remains one of my favorite memories.
The Weight of the Winter Snow
This year, we are seeing heavier snowfall than usual across the country. Tohoku has been hit particularly hard, with news reports constantly showing the impact on transportation and infrastructure.
Whenever I see these reports, I think about the sheer effort required to live in snow country. Between clearing the roof and shoveling the paths, residents spend several hours every single day just “dealing” with the snow. It is a demanding reality that deserves our respect and empathy.
Looking Forward to Spring
It is now February, and we are still in the depths of winter. My hope is that the people of Tohoku can navigate these remaining cold weeks safely. After such a demanding summer and winter, I truly wish for a calm, beautiful spring to arrive in the north.
If you enjoy art museums, local food, or simply exploring places off the beaten path, why not take the Shinkansen north? Visiting places like the Towada Art Center or the quiet streets of Aizu-Wakamatsu might just give you a new perspective on Japan.
