Overview
- About 15 Self‑Defense Forces personnel began work in Kazuno, transporting, placing and inspecting steel bear traps as part of a monthlong support mission.
- Since April, the Ministry of the Environment has logged more than 100 injuries and a record 12 deaths from bear encounters nationwide.
- Soldiers are operating without firearms under strict weapons rules, using repellent spray, nets, shields and protective gear, with killing of bears restricted to accredited hunters.
- Akita authorities report over 8,000 sightings this year—roughly six times prior levels—prompting a local‑JSDF cooperation agreement as municipal capacity is strained.
- The central government is preparing funding, training and prevention measures, and has issued school guidance that even advises children to carry empty plastic bottles to make noise as officials cite acorn shortages and rural depopulation as key drivers.