In the latest session of the Shiretoko trial, held amid the ongoing media spotlight, families of the victims confronted the defendant, Seiichi Katsurada, the president of the operating company charged with negligent homicide following the sinking of a sightseeing boat. On the final day of questioning, the father of Michio Koyanagi, a passenger who remains missing, donned a green down jacket that had been retrieved from the sea within which his son had placed his belongings, symbolizing the family's ongoing grief and search for justice.

As the father prepared his questions, he placed a photo of his son beside him, reflecting on his loss and expressing a determination to fight for answers in his son's absence. Among the revelations during the trial, it was disclosed that, just days after the incident, the defendant had reassured his own wife that they would see a resolution to the situation, seemingly suggesting a lack of urgency regarding the tragedy that had claimed multiple lives. This disconcerting message provoked the father’s outrage, prompting him to remind the court of the gravity of the situation, where families were torn apart and lives lost.

The father’s poignant remarks underscored a broader critique of the prioritization of profit over safety in the ferry industry. He confronted the mindset that led to the fatal incident, questioning whether such attitudes contributed to the tragic outcome and calling for accountable action that respects the value of human life. The emotional weight of the hearings, marked by displays of personal loss, continues to resonate as the community grapples with the implications of safety, responsibility, and justice in maritime operations.