Japan's Ground Self-Defense Force will end its support for capturing bears Sunday, as scheduled.
The GSDF had been helping in response to deadly bear attacks on humans in Akita Prefecture in the country's northeast.
On Friday, Defense Minister Koizumi Shinjiro told reporters that the GSDF members will finish the assistance as scheduled.
Koizumi said 815 personnel assisted in bear capture efforts in 11 municipalities between November 5 and Thursday, November 27.
He said the GSDF members delivered 137 box traps, transported culled bears nine times, and dug holes to bury animal carcasses. Koizumi added that they also collected information using drones and other devices.
The defense minister said close coordination among the GSDF members, local municipalities and a hunting association allowed the work to be carried out smoothly.
Koizumi then expressed his respect for the GSDF members. He said they carried out their duties with high morale.

Quiz 1:
Question text: What is Japan's Ground Self-Defense Force (GSDF) no longer assisting with, as of November 29, 2025?
A. Natural disasters relief
B. Bear captures in Akita Prefecture
C. Cybersecurity operations
D. International peacekeeping missions

Quiz 2:
Question text: How many personnel from the Ground Self-Defense Force (GSDF) assisted in bear capture efforts between November 5 and November 27, 2025?
A. 814
B. 815
C. 915
D. 1115

Quiz 3:
Question text: What action was Defense Minister Koizumi Shinjiro particularly appreciative of regarding the GSDF's work?
A. Information collection using drones and other devices
B. Collaboration with local municipalities
C. Carrying out duties with high morale
D. Bear culling operations

[Answer block]
Answers:
Quiz 1: B
Quiz 2: B
Quiz 3: C