The Japan Times

Town assembly in Akita Prefecture removes unconscious mayor

The local autonomy law requires mayors who want to resign to notify the assembly chair of their intention. The town ...

Japan deploys SDF troops to stop deadly bear attacks in Akita

To combat a surge of deadly bear attacks in Akita Prefecture, Ground Self-Defense Force troops on Nov. 5 joined local efforts ...

Japan confirms year’s first fatal bear attack, two others suspected

In 2025, Japan saw a spate of deadly bear attacks, with a record 13 people killed. Read more at straitstimes.com. Read more ...
AOL

Japan deploys troops in bid to stem surge in deadly bear attacks

The Defense Ministry and Akita prefecture signed an agreement on the troop dispatch on Wednesday afternoon, allowing soldiers to set box traps with food inside, transport local hunters and help with ...

Bear mauls 4 in Akita residential area; additional attacks reported

AKITA—Multiple people were attacked by bears in Akita Prefecture on Oct. 9, including four who were mauled in a quiet ...

Traditional 'Gannin' dance, skit and parade delights audience in northern Japan

A traditional dance and skit performance by a troupe draped in women's kimono undergarments has taken place in a town in ...
WGBH

Rigid gender roles are prompting women to leave rural Japan

Members of a university kanto club perform in Akita Prefecture, Japan. Tradition and religion dictate that only men are allowed to be sashite or pole carriers. Anthony Kuhn is NPR's correspondent ...