Key Facts
• Revised law allowing firearm use in urban areas takes effect September 1, 2025.
• Morioka City announced specific measures on August 25, 2025.
• Current bear response manual to be updated for urban safety protocols.
• Safety measures include evacuation guidance and traffic restrictions.
• Hunters recommended by hunting associations will handle firearm use.
• City to provide insurance for potential damages or injuries.
• Collaboration planned with prefectural authorities and police.
• Budget of 540,000 yen proposed for implementation in September council session.
Summary
Ahead of the September 1, 2025 implementation of a revised law permitting firearm use in urban areas to address bear sightings, Morioka City has outlined its response plan. Announced on August 25, 2025, the city will update its bear response manual to prioritize public safety through measures such as evacuation guidance and traffic restrictions. Firearm use will be entrusted to hunters recommended by hunting associations, with the city providing insurance for potential damages or injuries. To ensure proper implementation, Morioka City plans to collaborate with prefectural authorities and police. A budget of 540,000 yen has been proposed for these measures, to be discussed in the September council session.
