Toru Hashimoto: “I am against relying on the Self-Defense Forces for everything” Personal Opinion on Akita Governor’s Request Regarding Bear Damage

On October 27, former Osaka Governor and lawyer Toru Hashimoto appeared as a commentator on the information program “Shunkan Live Totto! (Kantele). (Kantele). He gave his personal opinion on Governor Kenta Suzuki of Akita Prefecture’s request to dispatch the Self-Defense Forces to the prefecture in response to a series of bear attacks in the prefecture. In the broadcast, the governor of Akita Prefecture spoke about his personal viewpoint on the request by Governor Kenta Suzuki of Akita Prefecture to dispatch the Self-Defense Forces in response to the string of human casualties caused by bears in the prefecture. The governor of Akita Prefecture, citing manpower limitations in dealing with bears, requested that the Self-Defense Forces provide logistical support, such as dismantling bears that have been exterminated, The SDF is also in trouble,” Hashimoto said. Regarding countermeasures against bears, he said, “I understand that Akita Prefecture is in trouble, but the local government and administration must take countermeasures, including those from the private sector. If it is logistical support, it may be pretty, but it has to be done by local residents and administrative bodies. I wonder what it would be like to ask the Self-Defense Forces to do so much,” he questioned. When Genta Aoki, a freelance announcer who also served as MC, suggested that “there are situations where things are happening simultaneously in various places and there are not enough people,” Hashimoto suggested a collaboration of local governments, saying, “In that case, it could be the prefectures, or a federation of prefectures, etc. In response to Hashimoto’s comment, some people on the Internet said, “I think the private sector should do it as Mr. Toru Hashimoto said,” “The government needs to be creative before relying on the SDF,” while others said, “It must be fun to talk nicely from a safe place,” “What would Mr. Hashimoto do if a bear appeared in front of him? You are right, but the local people are in trouble on the level of a disaster.