What is the "Monkey Chasing Squad" in Azumino, Japan?

The "Monkey Chasing Squad" is a team of around 50 part-time civil servants in Azumino, Japan who work to herd the Japanese macaque monkeys back into the mountains using GPS trackers, bells, whistles, and walking sticks.

How much crop damage have the Japanese macaques caused in Japan?

In 2022, the Japanese Agriculture Ministry reported total crop damage from wild animals, including monkeys, at 15.6 billion yen ($100 million), with deer, wild boars, and macaques causing about 70% of that damage.

What is the debate around culling the Japanese macaques in Azumino?

Some, like city councilman Yoichi Tsujitani, argue that culling the monkeys is the best solution, but experts like ecologist Shigeyuki Izumiyama warn that culling entire troops could actually make the problem worse, as neighboring groups move in to fill the void.

Home / Environment / Monkey Mayhem: Japanese Locals Battle Persistent Primate Pests

Monkey Mayhem: Japanese Locals Battle Persistent Primate Pests

13 Nov

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Summary

Monkey population of 600 in Azumino city causes crop damage, home invasions
"Monkey Chasing Squad" of 50 civil servants tries to herd monkeys back to mountains
Debate over culling monkeys, with some arguing it could make the problem worse

As of November 13th, 2025, the residents of Azumino, Japan are engaged in an ongoing battle with a persistent primate pest – the Japanese macaque. In the foothills of the Northern Alps, these monkeys have been causing significant problems for local farmers and homeowners, breaking into homes, stealing food, and ruining crops.

The monetary damage caused by the monkeys is estimated at around 15.6 billion yen ($100 million) in 2022, with deer, wild boars, and macaques responsible for about 70% of that. To combat the issue, Azumino city has assembled a "Monkey Chasing Squad" – a team of around 50 part-time civil servants who work to herd the monkeys back into the mountains using GPS trackers, bells, whistles, and walking sticks.

According to the squad's leader, Masaya Miyake, their efforts have been somewhat successful, with the macaques now spending about half their time in the hills and the other half in the villages – an improvement from the previous situation where nearly all the monkeys lived within the town. However, the problem persists, and calls for more drastic measures, such as culling the monkeys, are growing.