The governor of Japan's northern Akita prefecture has formally requested military support to protect residents after an unprecedented wave of fatal bear attacks.
So far this year, 10 people have been killed in bear encounters across Japan, surpassing the previous record of six fatalities set in 2024.
What did the Akita governor say about bear attacks?
"The lives of citizens can no longer be protected without the help of the Self-Defense Forces," Governor Kenta Suzuki told Defense Minister Shinjiro Koizumi on Tuesday.
Wildlife officials say the number of incidents has sharply increased as bears stray into populated areas in search of food.
"Attacks to the neck and face are extremely common," Suzuki said, noting that bears are now appearing not just in mountain regions but also in urban neighborhoods. He described the situation as "abnormal" and urged immediate federal assistance.
Koizumi said the government would "use all available capabilities and authorities" to restore public safety. The environment ministry confirmed the death toll and said the latest victim was killed last week in a mountain village in Akita.
Why are there so many bear attacks in Japan?
Experts attribute the surge in encounters to food shortages caused by climate change and Japan's aging and shrinking rural population, which has left fewer hunters to control bear numbers. Reports have described bears raiding homes and stores, attacking tourists, and being spotted near schools and parks.
Japan is home to two species — the Asiatic black bear and the larger brown bear, which can weigh up to half a ton and run faster than humans. Thousands are culled each year.
The central government has promised tougher measures to manage bear populations, while regional authorities are stepping up patrols and urging residents to stay alert as sightings continue to rise.
