1. Japan’s Economic Security Minister Onoda Kimi, who is in charge of promoting coexistence with foreign nationals, outlined the issues on her agenda as she spoke to reporters after Tuesday’s Cabinet meeting. Onoda said she will consider optimizing controls on immigration and residency status, measures to deal with over-tourism and private lodgings, proper responses to crimes committed by foreigners, and grasping the extent of real estate ownership by foreign nationals and rules for property acquisition. The government plans to solicit opinions from experts in drawing up its basic ideas on policies related to foreign nationals.
2. Japan’s Defense Ministry is arranging to send Ground Self-Defense Force personnel to Akita Prefecture to assist in the capture of wild bears. Sources say the activities could start as early as Wednesday. The northern prefecture has seen a spate of bear attacks on humans, some of which have resulted in injuries and deaths. The prefecture has asked the SDF to help it capture the animals.
3. Plans to light up the fall foliage at a park in Hokkaido, northern Japan, have been canceled due to bear sightings in the area. Hachironuma Park in the city of Hokuto is known for its stunning fall leaves. The park is over 10 hectares and has about 2,000 trees, including maple and azalea.