Kyoto school searched over fatal boat accident during Okinawa field trip

Authorities have searched a private high school in Kyoto over a fatal boat accident that occurred in Okinawa in March during a school trip. Doshisha International Junior and Senior High School was searched on suspicion of professional negligence resulting in death and injury.

The investigation follows a criminal complaint filed by the family of a 17-year-old female student who died when two boats carrying students capsized off the coast of Henoko, Nago. The trip was part of a "peace education" program.

The accident happened while students were observing the controversial construction of the US Marine Corps Air Station Futenma relocation. The student, Tomoka Takeishi, and the boat's captain, 71-year-old Hajime Kanai, died. Fourteen others were injured.

The school's operator, The Doshisha, acknowledged the search and apologized, stating it takes the matter seriously and will cooperate fully with authorities. The complaint names the principal, grade head, and teachers involved in the field trip, as well as individuals responsible for the maritime activities of the protest group that operated the boats.

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We take this matter very seriously and will fully cooperate with the authorities’ requests