Japan Seeks Military Help as Record Bear Attacks Kill 10

Japan’s Akita governor has requested military help after a record 10 people were killed in bear attacks this year. The surge is blamed on food shortages caused by climate change and fewer rural hunters. Bears are increasingly entering towns, prompting the government to boost safety measures and population control efforts.

Japan’s northern Akita prefecture has requested military assistance to protect residents following a record-breaking surge in fatal bear attacks. Governor Kenta Suzuki made the appeal to Defense Minister Shinjiro Koizumi, saying that “the lives of citizens can no longer be protected without the help of the Self-Defense Forces.”

Ten people have been killed in bear encounters across Japan this year, surpassing the previous record of six deaths in 2024. Wildlife officials report that bears are increasingly entering residential areas in search of food, with attacks to the face and neck being common. Suzuki described the situation as “abnormal” and called for immediate federal support.

Defense Minister Koizumi responded that the government would “use all available capabilities and authorities” to restore safety. The environment ministry confirmed the death toll, adding that the latest victim was killed in a mountain village in Akita last week.

Experts link the rise in bear encounters to food shortages caused by climate change and Japan’s aging rural population, which has reduced the number of hunters who help control bear populations. Bears have been reported raiding homes, stores, and even appearing near schools and parks.

Japan is home to two species of bears — the Asiatic black bear and the larger brown bear, which can weigh up to half a ton and outrun humans. Thousands are culled each year, yet sightings and attacks continue to rise. The central government has pledged tougher measures to manage bear populations, while regional authorities have intensified patrols and urged residents to stay vigilant.