What Happened to Asahiyama Zoo?

Asahiyama Zoo, located in Asahikawa, Hokkaido, opened its doors on July 1, 1967, as Japan's northernmost zoo. Initially, it operated as a conventional zoo, but by the mid-1980s, it faced declining visitor numbers and aging facilities. A significant crisis hit in 1994 when the zoo temporarily closed after a gorilla and a ring-tailed lemur died from an echinococcus infection, further deterring visitors.

The turning point came in 1997 with the visionary leadership of then-chief manager Masao Kosuge, who spearheaded the introduction of "behavioral exhibits." This innovative approach focused on creating environments that encourage and showcase animals' natural behaviors, rather than simply displaying them in cages. Key attractions like the "Totori no Mura" (Totori's Village), the Polar Bear Aquatic Park, a walk-through penguin aquarium, an orangutan trapeze, and the "Marine Way" cylindrical tank for seals quickly gained international acclaim. The popular "Penguin Walk," where penguins waddle through snowy paths in winter, became a public spectacle in 2003.

This transformation led to a dramatic revival in visitor numbers. In August 2004, monthly visitors surpassed 320,000, exceeding even Tokyo's Ueno Zoo. By 2007, annual visitor numbers reached 3 million, solidifying its status as one of Japan's most popular zoos. The zoo continues to innovate, with the opening of the Ezo Brown Bear House in 2022, further enhancing its commitment to showcasing regional wildlife and animal welfare. Today, Asahiyama Zoo typically attracts between 1.4 and 1.6 million visitors annually, offering seasonal events like the "Night Zoo" in summer and "Snow Light Zoo" in winter.

However, Asahiyama Zoo is currently facing an unprecedented challenge. After closing for its annual seasonal maintenance on April 8, 2026, its planned reopening on April 29, 2026, was postponed. This delay is due to a police investigation initiated after an employee reportedly confessed to disposing of his wife's body in the zoo's incinerator. Asahikawa Mayor Hirosuke Imazu has publicly apologized for the inconvenience, describing the situation as a "painful decision" and an "unprecedented crisis." Police are actively searching the zoo grounds and the employee's home, and the zoo's reopening remains uncertain, with officials stating it may close without prior notice if the investigation requires.