Overview
- At a Nov. 5 Liberal Democratic Party project team meeting, Japan Hunting Association president Yohei Sasaki said police lack the experience to carry out bear culling and opposed Self-Defense Forces involvement, citing national defense priorities.
- The National Police Agency is considering allowing officers to use rifles for bear control, reflecting rising incidents and ongoing debate over roles and capabilities.
- Hokkaido authorities confirmed influenza A in a red-crowned crane recovered Oct. 31 in Tsurui and are conducting tests to determine if the strain is highly pathogenic, with monitoring continuing.
- A lawsuit by three male municipal employees alleging power harassment by Rep. Hitoshi Yamakawa during his tenure as Tomigusuku mayor was settled on Nov. 4, including his apology for causing mental suffering.
- The Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare reported Nov. 5 that August applications for public assistance fell 3.1% year on year to 20,703, marking a second straight monthly decline.