2321 Urban Wildlife and the Shadow of Totalitarianism: A Japanese Perspective

In a recent, startling development in Japan, broadcasts have reported the appearance of wild bears in cities – locations where their presence was previously unheard of. This unusual occurrence has been attributed to a shortage of acorns, stemming from abnormal weather patterns. Yet, this explanation only scratches the surface of a more complex issue involving multiple factors.

I’d like to explore another dimension of this phenomenon. It revolves around our relentless drive towards modernization and standardization, a path that, I argue, nudges us closer to a form of totalitarianism. This pursuit has been a hallmark of human progress, but it often leads to a disproportionate balance of power between nature and human society.

Reflecting on my youth in Japan, I recall frequent encounters with wild dogs in urban settings. These experiences are now a thing of the past, as nearly all wild dogs, whether in urban or rural areas, are swiftly removed by public health centers. This nationwide policy of excluding wild dogs overlooks their historical role as natural defenders against bears and other wildlife, such as boars, monkeys, and civets. These dogs once maintained a symbiotic balance within our living spaces, a balance now lost.

Today, our approach to wildlife management has shifted dramatically. We erect barriers – starting from one meter and escalating to three meters with electrified wires – in an endless struggle to keep wildlife at bay. This escalating conflict resembles a real-life ‘cat and mouse’ game, highlighting our growing estrangement from the natural world.

The term ‘totalitarianism’ may seem intense, but it accurately captures our increasing tendency to exert control over our environment. In my upcoming blog series, I plan to further explore this idea, drawing insights from renowned author and anatomist Takeshi Yoro. Yoro’s perspective on globalization as a form of totalitarianism was initially shocking to me. However, it’s a concept I’ve come to acknowledge and will discuss in the context of why globalization aligns with totalitarianism.

This blog serves as an introduction to a series of discussions planned for the new year, where we’ll delve deeper into these themes.