In Japan, eating establishments are witnessing day-to-day crowds for an unusual dish– bear meat. Following a surge in culling numbers due to recent wildlife management efforts, eateries have begun serving bear meat, attracting nationwide attention and drawing in curious customers. This practice highlights the novel gastronomical trends while addressing issues of sustainable food sources and wildlife control.

Addressing the problem of bear population control while also valuing the principle of utilitarian use of resources is deeply ingrained in Japanese culture. Here, bear meat is seen as a unique offering, signifying a blend of culinary novelty and practical wildlife management. It aligns with Japan's 'mottainai' concept – a profound feeling of regret through misuse of resources dismissing their potential value.

In the US or EU, trends of novel or "exotic" meat consumption typically reflect culinary exploration more than wildlife management. However, the notion of using culled animals as a food source is not entirely foreign. The key difference is how widespread and popularized this trend is in Japan compared to Western countries, where such practices are likely limited and regional.