On Tuesday (November 4), the Japanese government dispatched a Ground Self-Defense Force unit to the northern mountainous area of Akita Prefecture to support local authorities in conducting bear capture and prevention operations. This marks the first time in a decade that Japan has mobilized the military to assist in wildlife control, highlighting how the issue of bear attacks has evolved into a nationwide public safety crisis.
According to statistics from the Japanese Ministry of the Environment, there have been over a hundred bear attack incidents nationwide this year, resulting in 13 deaths, the highest number on record. Two-thirds of the fatalities were concentrated in Akita Prefecture and neighboring Iwate Prefecture.
The city of Kakunodate in Akita Prefecture is the first stop for the Self-Defense Force support operation. With approximately 30,000 residents, the city is famous for its hot springs and apples. In recent weeks, local authorities have repeatedly urged people to avoid entering forests, and to carry bear bells when going out at night to prevent encounters with wild bears.
Defense Minister Taro Kono announced on the 4th the dispatch of the Ground Self-Defense Force’s 21st Infantry Regiment stationed in Akita City to the disaster area, under the provision of Article 100 of the Self-Defense Forces Act for “civilian support training.” The mission includes transporting and setting up bear traps, assisting in transporting hunters, and capturing bears, but will not involve shooting bears. The troops will only carry bear repellent sprays and other protective gear.
Kono stated, “The primary mission of the Self-Defense Forces is national defense, and we cannot unlimitedly intervene in bear issues. However, considering the unique circumstances at present, we have decided to provide support to safeguard the lives and livelihoods of our citizens.”
Akita Governor Kenta Suzuki officially requested assistance from the Ministry of Defense on October 28. The Self-Defense Force began relevant training at the Akita garrison on October 30, which includes trap setting and response drills to bear attacks. The troops will first complete their mission in Kakunodate city, and then provide support to the cities of Odate and Kitaakita, with the operation expected to continue until the end of November.
Experts point out that the frequent bear sightings are closely related to multiple factors, such as climate change and the outflow of rural populations. Extreme weather conditions have led to poor wild fruit harvests, forcing black bears and brown bears to frequently enter human settlements in search of food. At the same time, the aging of hunters has weakened capturing capabilities, and the preventive abilities of local governments have declined.
In recent times, bear attack incidents have occurred across Japan – people being attacked in supermarkets, tourists being mauled while waiting at UNESCO World Heritage sites, employees at hot spring inns being severely bitten, and some schools forced to suspend classes.
The Asian black bears commonly found on the main island of Honshu can weigh up to 130 kilograms, while the brown bears in Hokkaido can exceed 400 kilograms. The period from October to November is the peak season for bears to forage before hibernation, and also the most frequent period for bear attacks.
Chief Cabinet Secretary Kei Sato in Tokyo stated that the government will unveil a set of emergency measures this month, including relaxing gun possession regulations and encouraging training for more licensed hunters. He emphasized, “As bears enter densely populated areas and the number of attacks increases, prevention and control are urgent.”
The last time Japan mobilized the military to assist in wildlife management dates back to the early 2010s when the Self-Defense Forces supported Hokkaido in deer culling and aerial monitoring.