Key Facts
• On September 11, Japan held its first inter-ministerial meeting of the fiscal year.
• Representatives from the Ministry of the Environment, National Police Agency, Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries, Forestry Agency, and Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism attended.
• Reports indicated an increase in bear-related human injuries in residential areas since July 2025.
• The National Police Agency introduced the “emergency hunting” system in September, allowing firearms in urban areas under certain conditions.
• The meeting aimed to share strategies and coordinate efforts to address bear-related incidents.
Summary
Japan convened its first inter-ministerial meeting of the fiscal year on September 11 to address the rising number of bear-related human injuries, particularly in Hokkaido and the Tohoku region. Representatives from key government agencies, including the Ministry of the Environment and the National Police Agency, discussed strategies and shared updates. The Ministry of the Environment reported a significant increase in bear incidents in residential areas since July 2025, while the National Police Agency highlighted the implementation of the “emergency hunting” system, which permits firearm use in urban areas under specific conditions. This meeting marked a critical step in coordinating efforts to mitigate bear-related risks.
