Japan Deploys Military to Battle Deadly Bear Surge
In an unprecedented move, Japan is preparing to send its military into the forests of Akita Prefecture to combat a terrifying and deadly surge in bear attacks. With a record number of human fatalities in 2025, the government is taking drastic action to protect its citizens from an increasingly bold and aggressive wildlife threat [[3], [6]].
A Nation on Edge
The situation has become so dire that local officials in Akita have formally requested the deployment of the Self-Defense Forces (SDF). This marks a significant escalation in the nation’s response to what is being described as a ‘dire’ crisis [[1], [2]]. The SDF will assist local authorities by setting traps, conducting patrols, and helping to secure rural communities that have been living in fear.
As of late October 2025, the number of deaths from bear attacks has reached a staggering nine for the fiscal year—the highest on record . This is a sharp increase from the five fatalities reported in 2024 and six in the previous year [[3], [5]].
Why Are Bear Attacks on the Rise?
Experts point to a confluence of factors driving this alarming trend:
- Habitat Loss: Urban expansion and deforestation are pushing bears closer to human settlements in search of food and shelter.
- Food Scarcity: A poor harvest of beech nuts—a staple in the bear diet—has forced the animals to venture into towns and villages .
- Increased Human Activity: The popularity of hiking and foraging, especially during the autumn foliage season, puts more people directly in the path of these powerful predators .
The Military’s New Mission
The deployment of the SDF is a highly unusual step for a country whose military is traditionally focused on national defense. Their new mission will be a logistical and tactical operation focused on non-lethal deterrence where possible, but lethal force will be authorized if human life is in immediate danger [[2], [7]].
This initiative is a coordinated effort between the national Defense Ministry and local prefectural governments, highlighting the severity of the crisis. The primary goal is to restore a sense of safety to the affected communities in northeastern Japan.
What This Means for Residents and Tourists
Local authorities have issued a series of urgent safety advisories:
| Group | Safety Recommendations |
|---|---|
| Residents | Secure all food waste, avoid walking alone in forested areas at dawn/dusk, and report any bear sightings immediately to local authorities. |
| Tourists | Stay on marked trails, travel in groups, carry bear bells or spray if available, and heed all local warnings and closures. |
The government is also investing in public awareness campaigns to educate the public on how to avoid encounters and what to do if one occurs.
Sources
Japanese military asked to help deal with bear attacks, 2025.
Japan’s Akita to Seek SDF Deployment over Bear Attacks, Jiji Press.
Fatal Bear Attacks on the Rise in Japan, with 7 Deaths, 2025.
Japan on High Alert for Bears as Autumn Foliage Season, 2025.
Japanese troops to help local authorities fight bear attacks, 2025.
