Deer

Deer (シカ, shika) is Japan's most commercially significant gibier species. Japan's sika deer population has grown to over 2.5 million, causing an estimated ¥46 billion in annual agricultural and forestry damage — making culling-based harvesting both ecologically necessary and commercially viable. Hokkaido's Ezo deer (エゾシカ) commands the highest market recognition, valued for its lean, iron-rich meat. Processing facilities are concentrated in Hokkaido, Nagano, Hyogo, and Nara prefectures.