The first hearing in the damages lawsuit over the tragic sinking of the tour boat 'KAZU 1' off the coast of Shiretoko in Hokkaido took place on the 13th at the Sapporo District Court.
The incident, which occurred in April 2022, resulted in the deaths and disappearances of 26 passengers and crew.
The lawsuit, filed by the victims' families, seeks approximately 1.5 billion yen in damages from the operating company and its president, Seiichi Katsurada, who is currently facing criminal charges for professional negligence resulting in death.
The operating company has moved to dismiss the claims.
According to the plaintiffs, Katsurada was responsible for both safety and operational management at the company 'Shiretoko Yuransen' in Shari Town.
Despite forecasts predicting severe weather conditions exceeding safe sailing limits, he approved the vessel's departure, which they claim was a reckless joint act of negligence along with deceased captain Noriyuki Toyota.
Investigations revealed that worsening weather conditions caused the boat to rock violently, allowing seawater to flood the engine room through an unsecured hatch, ultimately leading to the vessel's sinking.
This case has intensified discussions on Japan's maritime safety regulations.