PRESS CONFERENCE
JAPAN’S BEAR PROBLEM: TIME TO CALL IN THE SELF-DEFENSE FORCES?
Kenta Suzuki, Governor of Akita Prefecture
11:00-12:00 Thursday, December 11, 2025
Language: The speech and Q & A will be in Japanese with English interpretation.
In late October, Akita Prefecture made international headlines when Gov. Suzuki made the unprecedented decision to call in the Self-Defense Forces to help prefectural hunters and officials capture bears. The move came amidst increased fears of bears nationwide, following reports of fatal encounters. In Akita alone, there were two deaths and 52 injuries due to bear attacks between April and the end of the October.
Suzuki’s decision sparked controversy about whether a request to deploy the SDF in this manner was a violation of Japan’s constitution. But his call was seen as a practical move in other parts of Japan with large bear populations and an aging, declining population straining to deal with them. Following the Akita governor’s decision, Hokkaido Gov. Naomichi Suzuki, announced his prefecture, home to more than 11,000 brown bears, may also consider requesting SDF help to help respond to bear sightings. Other governors may follow suit. Please join us as Akita governor Suzuki explains the reasons for his decision, what Akita wants from the SDF, and what Japan should do to deal with its bears.
How to attend:
Please register by emailing front@fccj.or.jp with your name and the name of your media outlet. FCCJ members should also include their membership number. Doors will open 15 minutes before the event.
How to watch online: https://www.youtube.com/c/FCCJchannel/live
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TV crew: Please make a reservation at front@fccj.or.jp. Doors open for TV crews only at 30 minutes before the event. FCCJ will limit live-streaming of FCCJ-hosted press conferences to Club members only. Non-members will no longer be permitted to live-stream these events. However, non-members may still film for reporting purposes and use footage after the press conference.
Professional Activities Committee