Overview
- Defense Minister Shinjiro Koizumi said the Self-Defense Forces will assist Akita with box traps and the transport and disposal of culled bears after meeting Governor Kenta Suzuki.
- Authorities report 10 fatalities nationwide this fiscal year as sightings and attacks spread into urban areas in Hokkaido and the Tohoku region.
- Akita has logged 54 people killed or injured and more than 8,000 sightings this year, including a fatal attack near a village office on Friday.
- The central government ordered ministries to draft further steps, with a cross‑ministerial meeting set for Thursday to review prevention and staffing needs.
- Experts cite poor nut harvests, delayed hibernation linked to warmer winters, and a shortage of licensed hunters; an Akita University study advises lying face down and shielding the head during maulings.