The Tokyo Metropolitan Government is trying to expand the number of hunters, and help them improve their skills, in response to threats posed by bears.
Multiple Asian black bear sightings have been reported in the Japanese capital this year, especially in the mountainous areas of western Tokyo. As of Saturday, a total of 114 sightings have been reported this year.
A man was attacked and injured by a bear when he was angling in a river in Okutama Town on August 23.
Tokyo officials say there is a shortage of hunters, as many of them are getting older. They note that the shortage is behind the damage caused by bears and other wild animals.
The metropolitan government has increased the number of times that applicants can take the test for a hunting license in a given year from five to six. That change was made during the last fiscal year.
About 8,000 people in Tokyo reportedly own a hunting license, but only about 400 are actually engaged in hunting activities.
Tokyo officials hope that more license holders will go out hunting. Tokyo plans to hold an event this month with a local hunting association. At the event, license holders will have a chance to hunt and process deer.
An official stressed that it is important to increase the number of hunters and help them improve their hunting skills. The official noted that the metropolitan government plans to work with people concerned to try to boost the number of hunters.

Quiz 1:
What has been reported in large numbers in the mountainous areas of western Tokyo this year?
A. Wolves
B. Asian black bears
C. Deers
D. Pumas

Quiz 2:
What change was made by the Tokyo Metropolitan Government regarding hunting license tests during the last fiscal year?
A. The number of times applicants can take the test was reduced to four.
B. The number of times applicants can take the test was increased to seven.
C. The number of times applicants can take the test remained the same.
D. Applicants no longer need to take a test for a hunting license.

Quiz 3:
How many people in Tokyo reportedly own a hunting license?
A. 8,001
B. 7,999
C. Approximately 8,000
D. Exactly 8,000