Japan has initiated a military deployment to its northern regions in response to an unprecedented wave of deadly bear attacks that have claimed 12 lives and left over 100 injured since April. The government, led by newly appointed Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi, is urgently formulating a specialized policy package to address the escalating crisis. Soldiers, equipped with non-lethal tools such as bear sprays, shields, and net launchers, have been dispatched to restore safety in affected communities. Japan’s strict gun laws prohibit the use of firearms in these operations. Experts attribute the surge in bear encounters to a poor acorn harvest, driving bears into urban areas in search of food, particularly in regions like Akita and Iwate. Additionally, rural depopulation has blurred the boundaries between human settlements and bear habitats, further exacerbating the issue. The Self-Defense Forces are providing logistical support, including transporting bear traps and hunters. A team of 15 soldiers was recently deployed to Kazuno city in Akita to assist with trap relocation. Deputy Chief Cabinet Secretary Kei Saito emphasized the military’s role in national defense but acknowledged their capacity to aid in such emergencies. Prime Minister Takaichi’s cabinet convened a special meeting last week, pledging to unveil a comprehensive policy package by mid-November. This is expected to include measures such as increasing the number of hunters to respond to urgent bear sightings. Akita Governor Kenta Suzuki expressed gratitude for the military’s assistance, highlighting the region’s limited capacity to handle the crisis independently.