Japan Deploys Military as Bear Attacks Surge to Record Levels

URGENT UPDATE: Japan is facing an unprecedented crisis as the nation grapples with its highest number of bear attacks on record. In a desperate move, regional authorities have just announced the deployment of the military to assist in managing the escalating threat.

This alarming situation has resulted in at least 12 fatalities and more than 100 injuries nationwide this year, with the majority of incidents occurring in northern prefectures such as Akita, Iwate, and Fukushima. Bears have increasingly encroached upon populated areas, forcing temporary lockdowns in rural towns and raising urgent safety concerns among residents.

On October 27, 2025, Akita Governor Norihisa Satake formally requested assistance from the Self-Defense Forces (SDF) after local authorities were overwhelmed by repeated maulings. The military’s involvement will focus on logistical support, including transporting carcasses, setting traps, and patrolling forested areas where bear sightings have surged.

Defense officials have clarified that only licensed hunters will be authorized to handle bears posing immediate threats, as Japan faces a dramatic decline in its hunter population. Approximately 60% of licensed hunters are now over the age of 60, and many traditional bear trackers, known as matagi, have retired, leaving a significant gap in rural emergency response.

In response to the crisis, local governments in Akita, Niigata, and Hokkaido have rolled out enhanced incentives for new hunters, including increased subsidies, training stipends, and per-bear bounties to attract fresh talent into the hunting community.

Experts attribute this alarming spike in bear encounters to a combination of environmental and demographic factors, including poor acorn and beech nut harvests, milder winters delaying hibernation, and rural depopulation which has led to unmanaged farmland and buffer zones between forests and urban areas.

The rising incidence of bear attacks has ignited a national debate on how to balance wildlife conservation with public safety. Historically, bears have been revered in Japanese culture, symbolizing strength and endurance. However, as attacks escalate, local residents are increasingly calling for stricter control measures, while environmental advocates urge for humane solutions and improved forest management rather than widespread culling.

Japan’s Environment Ministry is advising residents to avoid forest edges, secure food waste, and report bear sightings immediately. Officials maintain that this is a wildlife management crisis rather than a war on bears, yet for frightened residents in the north, the threat feels alarmingly tangible.

As this situation continues to develop, all eyes are on authorities to see how they will balance the urgent need for public safety with the preservation of Japan’s natural wildlife. Stay tuned for the latest updates on this unfolding crisis.