A bullet train struck a bear Tuesday morning in Akita Prefecture, briefly halting Shinkansen services between Tokyo and Akita. No passengers or crew were injured and the train resumed after a quick inspection.
The incident occurred around 7:30 a.m. between Wada and Ugo-Sakai stations. The JR East driver applied the brakes after spotting the bear on the tracks but could not stop in time.
The train was inspected at Ugo-Sakai Station and resumed service shortly after 8 a.m. once no damage was found. The bear has not been located since.
The same day the Environment Ministry launched a bear population survey across habitats in northeastern Japan. Cameras will be installed through the end of September, with estimates by habitat and prefecture due within six months after the survey ends.
