As municipalities nationwide grapple with the ever-worsening problem of wild animals raiding farm fields, enterprising types see a budding business opportunity.
In recent months, there has been a rise in attempts to serve wild game as regional food specialties.
In early November, the Hokkaido Prefectural Government invited about 400 people involved in the tourism industry to a Sapporo hotel to attend a party serving newly created dishes using venison. The fare on offer ranged from steaks to Chinese-style fried dishes.