AKIPRESS.COM - The search has resumed for a Japanese seven-year-old boy who was left by his parents in woods in a remote area of Hokkaido as a punishment, BBC says.

The boy has not been seen for two days, after his parents left him alone because he misbehaved.

The couple initially told police he got lost as they foraged for vegetables.

But on Sunday, they admitted they left him alone for a few minutes to discipline him, and when they returned he had gone.

The boy's father said on Saturday: "I wanted to discipline him, so made him get out of the car to scare him a bit. He's an active, lively boy, but I'm worried how he's doing."

He told reporters the boy had thrown stones at cars and people during a visit to a nearby park, so he felt he needed to be a strong father.

He also said he did not dare admit the truth when he first requested the search.

Monday's search began at 6.00 local time, involving 130 people, including police and school officials.

The area, in the far north of Japan, is home to wild bears.