Overview
- Defense Minister Shinjiro Koizumi said units will begin work once receiving municipalities are ready, with activities starting in sequence.
- The JSDF will install box traps, conduct patrols, and transport bears captured by hunters, with no armed culling authorized.
- The mission is structured as civil support under Article 100 of the Self-Defense Forces Act and framed as training.
- The 21st Infantry Regiment from the Akita garrison is designated for the deployment, after about 130 personnel trained on October 30.
- Authorities reported at least 50 people affected, including four deaths, this fiscal year in Akita, as the National Police Agency advances a review of rifle use for culling.