This article explores the history, current status, common names, and culture of wolves in Japan. Wolves have been present in Japan since ancient times and were heavily persecuted due to their predatory nature, leading to near extinction by the mid-20th century. Today, the most common name used for wolves is ōkami which can be translated as “great god” or “wolf” depending on context. There has been an increase in popularity of wolf-themed art and culture in recent years. Despite their near extinction due to hunting pressure from humans, there is now an estimated 3,000-4,000 wild wolves living across various parts of Honshu Island with increasing sightings around Tokyo.