Japan is considered the world's No. 1 importer of polar bear products, with items such as furs and rugs widely sold on the Internet.

But with the bears at risk due to climate change and the U.S. government making moves to protect them, Japan could become a target of criticism for its lax policy.

According to environmental protection groups, exports and imports of skins and other bear products resulting fetch a high price on the international market, which is reflected on Japanese Web sites.