National Hunting Prohibition Day

National Hunting Prohibition Day marks the beginning of Japan’s annual closed season for hunting, a period designed to protect wildlife during breeding and rearing. The new law for bear hunting is exempt as it is treated as a public‑safety intervention, not sport or wildlife‑management hunting.

From February 16 until November 15, hunting is prohibited across Japan, with the exception of Hokkaido, where the closed season runs from February 1 to September 30. These dates can vary by prefecture, year, and species. And there are areas, where hunting is prohibited all year round.

The closed season plays an important role in conservation, helping stabilize populations and prevent overhunting. It also highlights Japan’s broader approach to coexistence with wildlife—balancing tradition, safety, and ecological responsibility.