Overview
- The criminal trial began at Kushiro District Court on November 12 over the 2022 Shiretoko tour boat disaster that left 20 dead and 6 missing, with company president Seichi Katsurada charged with professional negligence resulting in death.
- Prosecutors said the company had already decided to run the Shiretoko Cape route to start the season and failed to give the required passenger explanation for a conditional operation that could be cut short.
- They cited a coast guard interview in which Katsurada allegedly said the cape course was planned, arguing he did not order a halt despite forecasts exceeding the firm's wind and wave standards.
- The defense argued the departure was a conditional, shortened outing expected to return by late morning and claimed the captain later changed course on his own without consulting Katsurada.
- Defense lawyers also pointed to equipment issues, including a hatch problem they say was not caught by inspectors, while prosecutors criticized broken office radio equipment as evidence of poor communications, and Katsurada apologized to families in court.