Kitakami student arrested after spraying bear repellent at school

A 15-year-old male student was arrested on suspicion of injury after spraying bear repellent in the schoolyard of Ezuriko Junior High School in Kitakami, Iwate Prefecture, on September 17.

The incident resulted in 11 students being transported to hospitals with minor injuries, including eye and throat irritation. The student admitted to spraying the substance but stated he did not intend to cause harm.

Investigations revealed that the spray was a piece of school equipment intended for bear protection. The vice principal had reportedly taken the spray out to patrol the school grounds the previous day but accidentally left it near a horizontal bar in the schoolyard. The Kitakami City Board of Education has since issued instructions to all local schools to strictly manage the storage and handling of such hazardous equipment.