The Japanese badger (Meles anakuma) is a species of carnivoran of the family Mustelidae, the weasels and their kin.

In Japan, it is called by the name anaguma (穴熊) meaning "hole-bear", or mujina (むじな, 狢).

[1] Like other members of Meles, Japanese badgers are nocturnal and hibernate during the coldest months of the year.

[1] Beginning at 2 years of age, females mate and give birth to litters of two or three cubs in the spring (March–April).

Based on fecal analysis, studies have shown that earthworm consumption is highest in the warmer seasons, coupled with berries, persimmons, and small insects in the summer months.

When earthworms are less abundant in cooler months, the Japanese badger consumes more wild berries, like Rubus palmatus and Rubus hirsutus, while consuming the most persimmons during the fruit's peak availability in the fall season.

[1] Increased land development and agriculture, as well as competition from introduced raccoons are threats.

Apparently encouraged by local government bounties and increased popularity of badger meat in Japanese restaurants, it is feared the culling may have reached an unsustainable level.