SDF Deployed to Help Akita Control Bears

Japan is experiencing a record surge in bear attacks this year, with at least 10 confirmed fatalities nationwide and dozens injured as sightings and incidents rise sharply. Akita Governor Kenta Suzuki formally asked Defence Minister Shinjiro Koizumi for Self-Defense Forces support, and Koizumi approved deploying SDF personnel to provide logistical help, including setting traps, transporting euthanised animals and coordinating local efforts. Officials stress SDF personnel will not use firearms and that shooting remains the role of professional hunters. Authorities and experts cite poor beech-nut harvests, climate change and rural depopulation with fewer hunters as key causes, and note risks increase before hibernation and during the autumn foliage season. Akita is expanding emergency measures — more live traps, distributing bear-repellent spray on school routes, public awareness campaigns and urging residents to carry noise-makers and report sightings — even as legal and operational questions about military involvement are debated.