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The international community is appalled by the Hokkaido Prefectural Government's decision to withdraw a 1955 ban on the Ainu ceremony "Iyomante." As you know, this crude ritual involves the slaughter of a hibernating mother bear in her cave. Her cubs are raised in captivity for two years and then fatally choked or speared in a sacramental act meant to show religious devotion. The Ainu people believe bears are gods walking among humans. Iyomante signifies the return of bear/god souls to heaven and the promise of a blessing for the human world. Iyomante is a colorful tale. But it belongs behind glass with museum artifacts. In the 21st Century we do not enslave humans, lynch, cannibalize or bind feet. Similarly, we do not resurrect barbaric acts of violence against animals. In the modern world, the Ainu people do not hunt bears for sustenance or profit. The torture of wild animals serves no educational purpose and cannot be "performed properly within proper reason," as Japan's Ministry of Environment has stated. I strongly encourage the Hokkaido Government to reestablish a ban on hunting bears "for cultural inheritance." Please outlaw "cave hunting" as well. In another revived festival, "Marat Opnika," an adult bear was slaughtered before an audience in Asahikawa Hokkaido. Some hunters have used axes to slice off a bear's feet if the terrified animal is reluctant to leave her cave. Last year, Japanese hunters killed some 5,000 black bears alone. I remain committed to a boycott of Japanese tourism until this assault on wildlife ceases. I urge government officials to legally shield wild animals from all forms of abuse, including inhumane blood ceremonies. Thank you,

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