Japan has deployed troops to its mountainous north to help local authorities trap and contain bears following an unprecedented surge in attacks that has left communities fearful and disrupted daily life.
The Self-Defense Forces (SDF) began operations on Wednesday in Kazuno, a small town in Akita Prefecture, where bear sightings have soared in recent weeks.
Residents have been urged to avoid wooded areas and stay indoors after dark as bears increasingly wander near homes in search of food.
"Even if just temporary, the SDF’s help is a big relief. I used to think bears would always run away when they heard noise, but now they actually come toward you. They’re truly frightening animals," said Yasuhiro Kitakata, head of the town’s bear department.
According to Japan’s Ministry of the Environment, more than 100 bear attacks have been reported nationwide since April, resulting in a record 12 deaths, two-thirds of them in Akita and neighbouring Iwate prefectures.
Bear sightings in Akita have jumped six-fold this year to over 8,000, prompting Governor Norihisa Satake to request military assistance last week.
"The townspeople feel the danger every day. It has affected how people live their lives, forcing them to stop going out or cancel events," said Kazuno Mayor Shinji Sasamoto after welcoming about 15 soldiers who arrived in army trucks and jeeps, equipped with body armour and maps of the area.
The troops have been tasked with setting and inspecting steel-barred traps used to capture bears, which are later shot by licensed hunters hired to control the population.
Along forest roads outside town, soldiers in white helmets were briefed by forestry officials on how to handle the traps, carrying bear spray and guarded by colleagues with shields and wooden poles.
"I thought maybe something was on fire. We all try not to encounter them, but we keep hearing about people getting attacked," said a resident who stepped outside to watch the operation, her radio blaring to scare off bears.
Kazuno, a town of about 30,000 known for its hot springs and apple orchards, is the first stop for the troops before they move to Odate and Kitaakita under an agreement lasting until the end of November.
The recent wave of incidents has rattled communities across northern Japan, according to reports.
In the past few weeks, bears have mauled shoppers inside a supermarket, attacked a tourist waiting at a bus stop near a UNESCO World Heritage site, and severely injured a resort worker.
Several schools have temporarily closed after bears were spotted near playgrounds.
Experts say the spike in encounters is linked to food shortages in the mountains.
"Last year there was an abundance of food and many cubs were born. This year, the food supply has run out," Kitakata explained.
Japan’s black bears, which are widespread across the country, can weigh up to 130 kilograms, while brown bears on Hokkaido island can reach 400 kilograms.
It is not the first time Japan has deployed troops for wildlife management. The military previously assisted in deer population control and sea lion culls in past decades.
Tokyo plans to unveil emergency measures later this month, including the recruitment of more licensed hunters, Deputy Chief Cabinet Secretary Kei Sato said at a press conference.
In September, the government eased firearm regulations to allow hunters to shoot bears in urban areas.
"As bears continue to enter populated areas and attacks increase daily, we cannot afford to delay countermeasures," Sato warned.
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