Tamaki Yuichiro, leader of Japan’s Democratic Party for the People, expressed frustration and deep concern over the response to a tragic boat accident off the coast of Henoko in Okinawa Prefecture, which claimed the lives of two high school students during a field trip in March.
Speaking at a regular press conference on April 21, 2026, Tamaki criticized both the school involved and the anti-base organization that operated the vessel, questioning their handling of the incident and calling for transparency.
“I have read the father’s account multiple times on his note, and it is truly heartbreaking,” Tamaki said. “At the very least, clarifying the facts and ensuring those responsible fulfill their duties to prevent such tragedies from recurring is what we owe to the deceased students and their families.”
Tamaki also raised concerns about the long-standing connection between the school and the anti-base movement, asking why students were placed on protest vessels without full disclosure to parents or students about the nature of the activity.
“It is not inherently wrong to visit Henoko, but why was boarding an anti-base protest ship treated as a standard part of the trip?” he asked. “The school must explain the background and circumstances surrounding this arrangement.”
The incident has sparked broader debate in Japan about the intersection of educational activities and political activism, particularly in Okinawa, where opposition to U.S. Military base expansion remains a sensitive issue.
