Tokyo International News Agency

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...

On March 16, 2026, two people died in a boat capsizing accident off Henoko, Nago City, Okinawa Prefecture. The victims were a 17-year-old female student from Doshisha Kokusai High School (Kyoto Prefecture) who was on a school trip, and a man in his 70s who was the captain of a boat used for protest activities. At the time of the accident, a high wave warning had been issued for the area, indicating rough seas. Critics, including concerned parties and the public, are raising questions about lax safety management regarding the operation of the boats under such conditions, ostensibly for 'peace studies'. Earlier that morning, two chartered boats, the 'Heiwa Maru' (Peace Boat) and 'Fukutsu' (Indomitable), carrying the students, capsized off Henoko, where protests against the construction of a US military base are ongoing. The school's vice principal described the deceased female student as 'diligent and excellent,' making this a tragedy that cut short a ...