[Bear Soap] The other day I went to Nishiokoppe Guesthouse GA.KOPPER for dinner. A friend had come to visit the village, so I joined them at the table. On the way out, something in the entrance showcase caught my eye. I had seen GA.KOPPER’s products many times before, but I had never bought the bear soap. In winter my skin gets dry, and I’ve been especially bothered by itchy backs of my hands and fingertips, so when I heard it helps prevent rough skin I decided to try the soap. - This soap is made by blending oil from brown bears living in Nishiokoppe Village with Sakhalin fir (Abies sachalinensis) leaf oil from Shimokawacho and peppermint oil from Takinoue Town. The guesthouse owner Asano, who is a hunter, provided the bear oil from a bear he personally shot. Bears and deer are often labeled pests because they damage crops and forests, but seen another way, these animals are a resource for Nishiokoppe Village. Although processing is demanding (it takes a lot of time and effort), their pelts, meat, oil, antlers and other parts can be put to good use. Among these, bear oil has long been used by the Ainu people as a panacea. They say it soothes cracked fingertips, dry lips and burned skin when applied topically. Soap made from such oil leaves the skin feeling moist after washing and resists that tight, dry feeling. It’s recommended for handwashing and facial cleansing. A bear balm is also on sale, so if you’re curious visit GA.KOPPER or check their online shop. https://gakopper.base.shop/ Note that staff may be absent during the day, so we recommend contacting GA.KOPPER before your visit. - By the way, the bear soap is manufactured by SORRYKOUBOU, a cosmetics maker in Shimokawacho. SORRYKOUBOU’s cosmetics are considerate of skin and body and are made from herbs they cultivate and wild plants that grow locally. - It’s truly heartening that, close to home, there are natural ingredients that care for your skin and people who make them. #GAKOPPER #Bear Soap #SORRYKOUBOU #Skincare