Okinawa Capsizing Fury: Drunken Captain's 'Ask the Dead' Remark and Blame Game Ignite Outrage

Regarding the capsizing accident off Henoko, Okinawa Prefecture, the captain of the "Heiwa Maru," a vessel reportedly sailing at the time of the accident, responded to a direct interview while heavily intoxicated at a snack bar. His remarks have caused a ripple effect. "I didn't decide to set sail," and "You should wake the dead and ask them"—these shocking words from the person at the center of the controversy have led to an outpouring of criticism on social media, with comments like "too irresponsible" and "unforgivable as a human being."

Students from Doshisha International High School were on board this vessel. According to some reports, a female student who died in the accident was on the "Heiwa Maru." The captain's remark, "wake the dead and ask," has drawn particularly strong condemnation for its perceived lack of respect towards those who lost their lives in the accident. He further deflected responsibility, stating that he didn't have the authority to decide to set sail and that "that person was in charge." His lack of accountability is also highlighted by his questioning the appropriateness of sailing under a wave warning, asking, "Is it wrong to set sail?"

Around the accident, concerns about "sloppy operational procedures" have long been raised, and the internal situation revealed by the captain this time has further deepened these suspicions. Information is also spreading that the captain previously ran for a village council election as a candidate for the Japanese Communist Party, leading to calls for accountability from him as an individual associated with the party.

Many internet users have expressed anger at the captain's irresponsible behavior, while also questioning the appropriateness of him giving an interview while intoxicated. Despite being entrusted with the safety of students participating as part of a "peace study" program, his subsequent attitude of shirking responsibility has caused widespread distrust in society. There is a strong demand for a full investigation into the accident, strict punishment for those involved, and concrete measures to prevent recurrence.

The context

This article refers to an accident that occurred off Henoko, Okinawa Prefecture, a site well-known for the ongoing and controversial relocation of the U.S. Marine Corps' Futenma Air Station. "Heiwa Maru" (meaning "Peace Vessel") is a name often associated with peace movements and educational "peace study" programs, which are common in Okinawa to teach about the history of war, the U.S. military presence, and environmental issues. The students onboard were from Doshisha International High School, a respected private institution, participating in one such "peace study" program. The controversy is heightened by the captain's alleged intoxication during the interview and his perceived lack of respect and responsibility regarding the tragic incident, particularly in an area often associated with sensitive social and political issues.