In pics | Little Bear Grylls: Japanese boy survives 7-day ‘jungle punishment’

Seven-year-old Yamato Tanooka was discovered in a building on a Japanese military base around 4km (2.5 miles) from where he disappeared last Saturday after his parents left him by the side of a road.

A Japanese boy abandoned in a dense forest by his parents for being naughty was found alive and unharmed on Friday, nearly a week after his disappearance set off a massive search that kept the nation riveted.

An undated photo shows 7-year-old Yamato Tanooka, who went missing on May 28, 2016 after being left behind by his parents, was found alive at Japan Ground Self-Defense Force's Komagatake exercise area. (REUTERS)

Seven-year-old Yamato Tanooka was discovered in a building on a Japanese military base around 4km (2.5 miles) from where he disappeared last Saturday after his parents left him by the side of a road, reportedly as discipline for throwing stones at cars.

Yamato was taken to hospital for checks but was healthy except for low body temperature and would be kept overnight as a precaution, a doctor told a news conference.

Japan Ground Self-Defense Force Sgt Major Yuichi Kakegawa (centre) speaks to the media outside the hut building, where Yamato Tanooka was found safe.

A member of the Self-Defense Force shows the mattress which Yamato Tanooka was using inside a building in a military drill area in Shikabe town.

An image of Yamato Tanooka is displayed by Japanese newspaper Yukan Fuji being sold at a railway station kiosk in Tokyo.

Takayuki Tanooka, Yamato’s father, speaks to reporters in Hakodate on June 3, 2016.

Takayuki Tanooka breaks down while talking to reporters. Takayuki also thanked rescuers for their efforts and apologised for causing trouble.