Japan, renowned for its rich cultural history and scenic coastal beauty, also bears witness to a unique and often overlooked aspect of its maritime realm: interactions between humans and the majestic, yet sometimes dangerous, marine predators. Shark attacks, although infrequent, provide a vital insight into the balance of marine ecosystems and human activity. Stay updated with our weekly details, as we delve deeper into these shark attacks in Japan and their implications for both the tourism industry and our understanding of these magnificent creatures.
Recent Shark Attacks in Japan
| Date / Time | Country / Area | Activity | Name | Sex / Age | Injury | Species |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 07-04-2022 | JAPAN ,Okinawa | Snorkeling | Kazuki Takahashi | M /60 | FATAL | |
| 09-03-2017 10h00 | JAPAN ,Shizuoka Prefecture | Surfing | male | M /42 | Injury to ankle & feet | |
| 07-24-2016 19h05 | JAPAN ,Kochi Prefecture | Surfing | male | M /29 | Lacerations to left leg | |
| 12-23-2014 | JAPAN | Diving / Filming | male | M | No injury, shark snagged its teeth in diver's suit | Goblin shark |
| 06-08-2014 Afternoon | JAPAN ,Atsumi peninsula | Surfing | Tsuyoshi Takahashi | M /43 | Left arm bitten | |
| 01-04-2014 | JAPAN ,Okinawa Prefecture | Sea disaster | Rianto | M /31 | 5 cm bite to left foot | |
| 01-01-2008 | JAPAN ,Tokyo Bay | Diving | M | No injury, captive shark attempted to bite diver's arm PROVOKED INCIDENTt | Goblin shark, 4.2' | |
| 07-15-2004 | JAPAN ,Wakayama Prefecture | Fishing for squid aboard the trawler Shikishima-Maru when the shark leapt into the boat | Yuji Torimi | M /51 | Suffered broken ribs when the shark's tail fin slammed into his chest | Longfin mako shark, 3.5 m [11.5'], 350-kg [772-lb] |
| 11-02-1998 | JAPAN ,Southern Japan | Fishing for tuna | Tadashi Kodama | M /52 | PROVOKED INCIDENT Knee bitten by shark trapped in net | 6' shark |
| 04-09-1995 10h15 | JAPAN ,Aichi Prefecture | Scuba diving for bivalves | Shintaro Hara | M /47 | FATAL | 6 m [20'] white shark |
| 08-22-1994 | JAPAN ,Kagoshima Prefecture | Nagisa Yasuhara | Survived | |||
| 03-17-1993 | JAPAN ,Ehime Prefecture | Yuji Yamamoto | Survived | Possiby white shark | ||
| 06-17-1992 12h30 | JAPAN ,Ehime Prefecture | Preparing to fish for jack-mackerel | 5.75 m wooden boat, occupant: Yoshaiaki Ueda | No inujury to occupant. Shark bit boat repeatedly, leaving 2 teeth in the bottom keel of the boat | White shark, identification by K. Nakaya | |
| 03-08-1992 10h15 | JAPAN ,Ehime Prefecture | Fishing for yellowtail, Seriola quinqueradiata | wooden boat of Yoshihiro Takasaki | No injury to boat or occupant | ||
| 03-08-1992 15h20 | JAPAN ,Ehime Prefecture | Hookah diving for pen shells | Kazuta Harada | M /41 | FATAL, body not recovered | 5 m [16.5'] white shark, identification by K. Nakaya |
| 02-14-1992 10h00 | JAPAN ,Ehime Prefecture | Diving for pen shells | Koji Harada | M | No injury, steel diving helmet bitten 3 times | 5 m [16.5'] shark |
| 01-03-1992 | JAPAN ,Ehime Prefecture | male | M | Survived | ||
| 01-01-1992 | JAPAN ,Sea of Japan | Mikado Nakamura | Survived. questionable incident | Questionable incident | ||
| 06-01-1989 | JAPAN ,Sea of Japan | male | M | Doubtful incident, needs investigation | ||
| 08-19-1988 | JAPAN ,Tokyo Prefecture | male | M | Survived | ||
| 08-29-1982 | JAPAN ,Kumamoto Prefecture | Yako Yajima | M | FATAL | ||
| 08-26-1967 14h30 | JAPAN ,Kagawa Prefecture | Masanori Ishikawa | M /19 | FATAL | ||
| 08-03-1964 | JAPAN ,Okayama Prefecture | Swimming | Yoshio Ukita | M /12 | Leg bitten, surgically amputated | |
| 08-25-1959 | JAPAN ,Hokkaido Prefecture | Masami Fukushi | M /14 | Survived (no injury?) | Questionable incident | |
| 08-11-1959 14h30 | JAPAN ,Wakayama Prefecture | Swimming | Akira Tuchiya | M /13 | FATAL, left thigh bitten | Blue shark, 3 m [10'] |
| 07-25-1959 13h00 | JAPAN ,Okayama Prefecture | Hideo Ishida | M /22 | FATAL, right thigh bitten | Blue shark? | |
| 01-09-1958 | JAPAN ,Ibaraki Prefecture | male | M /50 | Torso recovered from 206-lb shark | Shark involvement prior to death was not confirmed | |
| 08-30-1955 | JAPAN ,Izo Islands | Fishing | Otamatsu H. Yoshii | M | FATAL | |
| 07-25-1955 13h00 | JAPAN ,Okayama Prefecture | Hideo Ishida | M /22 | FATAL | Blue shark | |
| 10-02-1954 | JAPAN ,Nagasaki Prefecture | Boy clad in shirt & white linen pants | M /13 | Body found in gut of 2000-lb white shark | Shark involvement prior to death was not confirmed | |
| 07-21-1950 P.M. | JAPAN ,Sago Prefecture | Swimming | male | M /19 | FATAL | |
| 09-16-1945 | JAPAN ,Ryukyu | American minesweeper USS YMS-350 lost in a typhoon - swimming to shore | sailor | M | FATAL | |
| 07-16-1895 | JAPAN | Hunting seals | William Lloyd | M | FATAL | |
| 09-01-1882 | JAPAN | Clinging to shipwrecked junk | Japanese fisherman | M | Lacerations to elbows & knees | |
| 01-01-1862 | JAPAN ,Bonin Islands | Boat of a Hawaiian brig was stove in by whale | boat crew | M | FATAL | |
| JAPAN | male | M | FATAL |
In Japan, which species of sharks are most frequently involved in encounters with humans?
In the waters surrounding Japan, the most commonly associated species with human encounters are the Great White Shark, Tiger Shark, and Bull Shark. It’s important to remember, however, that not all these species are consistently aggressive towards humans.
Are there specific regions or beaches in Japan known for a higher likelihood of shark presence?
In Japan, shark sightings are typically more common in the waters of the Chiba and Izu Peninsula. However, it is important to note that these occurrences are not frequent, and measures are taken to ensure safety in these regions.
How does Japan communicate shark sightings to the public?
In response to the rare occurrence of shark sightings, Japan has developed robust systems to ensure the safety of its public. These systems include making announcements through various communication channels like local news, social media, and beachside warnings. This strategy allows Japan to promptly and effectively communicate any potential risks to locals and tourists.
