From predator to plate: Japan bear crisis sparks culinary craze

A couple having bear meat hot pot at a restaurant in Chichibu. - AFP

CHICHIBU: Since Japan recorded a spike in deadly bear attacks, Koji Suzuki has struggled to keep up with booming demand for grilled cuts of the animal at his restaurant.

Cooked on a stone slate -- or in a hot pot with vegetables -- the meat comes from bears culled to curb maulings that have killed a record 13 people this year.