[From Akita] Fish Pass Inc. Visualizes "Invisible Bears" with a Cup of River Water. Launching Habitat Surveys for Human-Wildlife Coexistence Using eDNA Technology Developed alongside Attack Survivors

Visualizing habitat areas with a 'Cup of River Water'

Fish Pass Inc. (Headquarters: Sakai City, Fukui Prefecture; CEO: Naruhiro Nishimura), a company dedicated to protecting aquatic resources using ICT, has officially launched a bear habitat survey in Akita Prefecture using environmental DNA (eDNA). This project is part of an initiative adopted by the Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications' "ICT Startup League."

This project applies environmental DNA technology—previously cultivated through fish surveys—to mammals (bears) for the first time, with the cooperation of Akita residents who have actually suffered bear attacks. It represents a new challenge to pave the way for "coexistence" based on scientific evidence, rather than relying solely on "extermination."

※Rewrite: December 11, 2025. Following the official press release from Fish Pass Inc., the background of development and detailed information have been added/rewrite.

Background: Escalating Damage and the "Invisible Fear"

In recent years, human casualties and agricultural damage caused by bears have increased nationwide, heightening anxiety among local residents. However, traditional survey methods relying on visual observation or traces (footprints, scat, etc.) have limitations in accurately grasping population numbers, migration routes, and habitat density. A new scientific approach was required to address the "invisible fear" of not knowing when or where a bear might appear.

Technology: Visualizing Habitat Areas with a "Cup of River Water"

Scene from the Environmental DNA Analysis Lab

To address this issue, Fish Pass introduced cutting-edge environmental DNA technology. This technology involves collecting about a cup's worth of river water and analyzing the environmental DNA contained within it to determine, with high precision, what organisms inhabit that water system.

With this survey method, it is possible to detect the DNA of bears living approximately 1km upstream from the sampling point. This makes it possible to scientifically visualize and evaluate bear intrusion status and habitat density as an "area" (surface) without needing to venture deeply into dangerous mountains.

Development History: An Alliance with Survivors. "To Never Let This Happen Again"

The core of this technology, the "Bear-Specific Primer (DNA Testing Kit)," owes its existence to one collaborator: Mr. Keiji Minatoya (*1), who runs a confectionery shop in Akita Prefecture. Two years ago, Mr. Minatoya was attacked by a bear in his home garage and suffered severe head injuries.

"I want to prevent similar tragic incidents." Driven by this earnest wish, Mr. Minatoya decided to fully cooperate with the investigation. He provided tissue samples from an Asian black bear, which were successfully used to create a bear-specific primer. This project was born from the fusion of a survivor's strong will and cutting-edge technology.

(*1) Mr. Keiji Minatoya

Mr. Keiji Minatoya, a confectionery shop owner in Akita Prefecture, encountered a bear that had wandered into his home garage when he opened the shutter two years ago. He sustained deep wounds to his face, arms, and torso, and suffered severe injuries where his scalp was peeled back, exposing his skull.

Outlook: The Challenge of "Coexistence" Based on Scientific Data

Demo screen of the SaaS for visualizing biodiversity

Moving forward, in addition to current habitat surveys, Fish Pass plans to leverage the network built with fishery cooperatives nationwide to re-analyze preserved past river water samples. By unraveling past data, it will be possible to track changes in bear territory over a timeline.

As options other than "extermination" are sought for bear encounters, Fish Pass proposes using environmental DNA technology to "visualize" bear presence and utilize this for countermeasures and conservation policies based on scientific evidence. We aim to build a new scientific foundation for a future where humans, nature, and wildlife can coexist while maintaining an appropriate distance.

■About the ICT Startup League
This support program started in FY2023, sparked by the Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications' "Startup Creation-type Germination Research and Development Support Project."
The ICT Startup League supports startups through four main pillars:
1. R&D Funding / Hands-on Support
Up to 20 million JPY in research and development funding is provided as a grant. Additionally, in terms of hands-on support, the evaluation committee members who were involved in selecting the league members continue to stay close after selection to accelerate growth. For companies that committee members "absolutely want to see selected," a support system likened to "dedicated advocacy" is built, where the evaluators themselves provide continuous support, such as advice on business plans and offering growth opportunities.
2. Discovery & Incubation
We provide opportunities for learning and networking to promote the business growth of league members.
We also expand the base by discovering those who aim to start businesses in the future.
3. Competition & Co-creation
The league serves as a venue for positive competition, similar to a sports league, where startups learn together and improve through friendly rivalry to win the necessary funding (up to 20 million JPY). We also provide a place for co-creation where league members can collaborate to expand their businesses through various opportunities, such as sessions with evaluation committee members.
4. Dissemination
We disseminate the initiatives of league members in cooperation with the media! By letting more people know about these businesses, we aim to expand the field for new matching and opportunities.

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[From Akita] Fish Pass Inc. Visualizes "Invisible Bears" with a Cup of River Water. Launching Habitat Surveys for Human-Wildlife Coexistence Using eDNA Technology Developed alongside Attack Survivors

Background: Escalating Damage and the "Invisible Fear"

Technology: Visualizing Habitat Areas with a "Cup of River Water"

Development History: An Alliance with Survivors. "To Never Let This Happen Again"

Outlook: The Challenge of "Coexistence" Based on Scientific Data

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