IWA November Meeting

The 13th Meeting of the International Women’s Association in Akita held on Friday 5 November 2010 was another enjoyable evening.
Apologies: Mrs. I/I/I/K/Tx2/
Attendance: Mrs Ix2/Nx2/M/M/K/K/Kx2
Many thanks for Mrs K, Treasurer.
Many thanks to Mrs N for transport and also all members for the delicious food presented.
Professor Maenaka kindly gave a very enlightening talk on Bears in the Community.
Studying how bears are now counted using the Fur Traps on the routes bears cover, which can stretch for miles. Through DNA from the fur, each bear is then identified and traced. Through this study the type of bear is also recorded.
Prof. Maenaka attended Prof.Taguchi and Prof. Komatsu’s workshops on the study of bears. Taguchi having lived with the Matagi was a wealth of information on how they live and hunt bears. Maenaka read the book Soukoku no Mori, which encouraged her research. Matagi are hunters and have permission to kill bears. Studies are being made on how the relationship between bears and humans is changing. Conservation diversity: Should not kill bears– complimentary relationship between farmer and nature. ‘Activist for preserving nature’, to develop a sustainable system where hunters can protect villagers and bears.
We heard that Prefecture Local Governments change the quota for bear kills each year. Matagi prefer to hunt bears just after their hibernation, around March through Golden Week. This is the time when the Gall Bladder is at its biggest before the bear starts eating after hibernation. Matagi carry out strict rituals before and after the hunt ‘Jimon’. All parts of the bear are used. After the kill there is a ceremony at the Shrine for the bear to rest in peace. Professor Maenaka continues with her research and we wish her success in finding a way to promote harmony between bears and the community.