Japan Deploys Military in Kazuno to Curb Surge in Deadly Bear Attacks

Japan has deployed its military to assist local authorities in the northern town of Kazuno after a surge in bear attacks, which have claimed 12 lives and injured dozens across the country since April 2025. The decision comes as the region struggles to manage growing bear populations entering residential areas.

Kazuno, a town of approximately 30,000 people in Akita Prefecture, has seen a dramatic rise in bear activity. Residents have been advised to avoid nearby forests, stay indoors after dark, and carry bells to deter bears. The prefecture reported over 8,000 bear sightings this year, a six-fold increase compared to previous years. Two-thirds of Japan’s recent bear-related fatalities occurred in Akita and nearby Iwate Prefecture.

Deputy Chief Cabinet Secretary Kei Sato emphasized the urgency of the measures, stating that rising attacks and injuries require immediate action to protect public safety. Local authorities requested assistance from the Self-Defense Forces, who are now helping transport, set, and monitor box traps intended to capture the bears. Trained hunters will handle the culling operations.

The bear attacks have become increasingly severe and unpredictable, with incidents reported in urban settings. Bears have reportedly entered supermarkets, attacked tourists at bus stops, and harmed workers at hot spring resorts. These incidents reflect a combination of factors, including rising bear populations, climate change affecting natural food sources, and depopulation in rural areas, which has reduced the availability of experienced hunters.

Japanese black bears, which are widespread across the country, can weigh up to 130 kilograms (287 pounds), while brown bears in Hokkaido, the northernmost island, can reach 400 kilograms. Japan previously mobilized the military for wildlife control around a decade ago and has experience using armed forces for logistical support in large-scale animal management, such as deer hunts and disease outbreaks.

As authorities step up countermeasures, the military-assisted operation in Kazuno aims to reduce the risk to residents while ensuring humane capture and removal of bears. The situation highlights the growing challenge of human-wildlife conflict in Japan amid environmental and demographic changes.