Akita Prefecture in the news as Japan grapples with deadly winter snowstorms and record bear attacks—regionally hit by harsh weather and wildlife incidents. Population around 915k; Honshu’s Tōhoku region.
Japan’s Environment Ministry has reported 13 bear-related fatalities in 2025 amid more than 230 attacks, prompting warnings and a government population management roadmap. Incidents in Fukushima's Sasakino district involved multiple workers at two plants, with police surrounding the site and nearby schools closing. Officials say the bear population is rising as Japan’s aging population limits hunting capacity.