Doshisha Chancellor Eiji Hatta to Resign Over Fatal School Boat Accident

Eiji Hatta, the 77-year-old chairman of the Board of Directors of the Doshisha educational institution, has reportedly decided to resign from his position to take responsibility for a fatal small boat capsizing accident involving students from Doshisha International High School in Kyotanabe, Kyoto Prefecture.

The accident occurred in March of this year off the coast of Henoko, Nago City, Okinawa Prefecture, when a small boat carrying female students from the school during a study trip capsized, resulting in fatalities. Hatta's intention to step down is seen as a move to clarify his responsibility as the top official of the institution. However, he reportedly plans to remain in his roles as "Chancellor" and member of the Board of Directors, overseeing education across the 14 schools and kindergartens operated by the institution. Additionally, Kikuo Nishida, the principal of the high school, is expected to step down at the end of August.

The context

Following the announcement of the resignation months after the major accident, harsh criticisms have emerged continuously on social media, with comments such as "the response is far too late" and "remaining as Chancellor and board member while stepping down as chairman is merely a symbolic gesture of taking responsibility." Furthermore, many opinions are calling for a thorough investigation into the causes of the accident, including the implementation background of the study program and the safety management system, as well as institutional structural reforms, drawing close attention to the future actions of the organization.

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