Mar 17 • 08:04 UTC 🇯🇵 Japan Asahi Shimbun (JP)

Accidents during Extracurricular Activities Have Happened Before: Over 20 Deaths During School Trips as Well as Excursions

A tragic incident during a school outing resulted in the deaths of two individuals, emphasizing the ongoing risks associated with extracurricular activities in schools in Japan.

On October 16, two boats carrying students from Doshisha International High School capsized off the coast of Henoko, Nago City, Okinawa, resulting in the death of two, including one student. This incident occurred during a school training trip, highlighting the recurring dangers associated with school-led extracurricular activities in Japan. Over the years, various accidents have been documented, with more than 20 fatalities linked to school trips, raising concerns about student safety during outings.

Historical data reveals several alarming incidents involving school activities that led to student injuries and fatalities. In 2010, for example, a boating accident on Lake Hamana in Hamamatsu City left one student dead when a boat, carrying middle school students and teachers, capsized due to adverse weather. Similarly, in 2020, a passenger ship carrying elementary school students on a school trip sank off the coast of Sakaide City, though all were rescued by local fishermen. These incidents underline a significant pattern of risk in school-organized events and the necessitated vigilance surrounding student safety.

In response to these recurring tragedies, Japan has established a disaster mutual aid scheme to provide benefits and financial support for medical costs related to injuries or illnesses which occur during school events. The Japanese government has mandated that all schools create crisis management manuals to better prepare for potential accidents. These manuals are intended to guide school administrators on assessing local conditions and weather reports prior to and during extracurricular activities, ensuring that student safety remains a priority in school-managed outings.

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