[mothered]

I get you, that forest did have bears in it.

I totally agree. But then, a norm in one country isn't the norm in another. From my studies in psychology a few years ago, Japan has a very different attitude to upbringing than we do in the UK or US. Still, I'm not sure if something like this would be considered normal there and I hope it isn't.

Yes I do hope Japan's laws see It for what It Is and apply the appropriate punishment.

If not, then acts of this nature will unfortunately continue to happen.