Tokyo International News Agency

Following the boat capsizing accident off the coast of Henoko, Okinawa Prefecture, voices on social media are rapidly rising to question the safety management responsibilities of the organizers and schools, specifically regarding the use of and instruction on life jackets. Eyewitness accounts and photos posted online have highlighted the possibility that minimum safety rules for protecting lives were disregarded. The most debated point is the timing of putting on life jackets. From a maritime safety perspective, it is considered common sense to have life jackets fully secured before boarding or disembarking—the times when the risk of falling into the water is highest—or before entering hazardous areas such as breakwaters. However, users familiar with the situation on the ground have pointed out that "it is unthinkable not to be wearing them when boarding" and that "instruction to wear them should have been given before students stepped onto unstable footings." There...

On the 24th, Japan’s Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology (MEXT) launched an on-site investigation into the Doshisha educational corporation (Kyoto) following a fatal boat capsizing during a school trip off Henoko, Okinawa. MEXT determined that a direct inspection of the school’s safety management and the corporation’s administrative operations was necessary after the major accident, which resulted in the death and injury of students from Doshisha International High School. The tragedy occurred during a "peace studies" session. One female student perished, while 14 others sustained various injuries. It has since been revealed that neither the captain nor the crew reported the accident when the boat overturned; instead, students thrown into the sea had to contact the Japan Coast Guard themselves to request rescue. This lack of emergency response has drawn intense public criticism. While MEXT previously attempted to verify facts through Kyoto Prefectur...

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 responsi...