Overview
- The Health, Labour and Welfare Ministry said August applications for public assistance fell to 20,703, down 3.1% year on year for a second straight monthly decline.
- Hokkaido reported that 60.9% of residents feel a crisis over local population decline, with many citing worsened transport access and fewer young people in their communities.
- At a Liberal Democratic Party project‑team meeting, the National Hunting Association’s chair argued police lack the experience to cull bears and also opposed Self‑Defense Force involvement.
- Government and police proposals to expand bear‑response roles for officers and consider SDF support remain under review following a rise in attacks in some regions.
- A harassment lawsuit against Representative Hitoshi Yamakawa over his tenure as Tomigusuku mayor was settled with his apology, and CDP’s Jun Azumi stressed Fukuoka’s growing importance ahead of the next lower‑house election.