(cache)[Henoko Offshore Capsizing Accident] What is Peace Education? Experts: "We need to conduct a calm...

[Henoko Offshore Capsizing Accident] What is Peace Education? Experts: "We need to conduct a calm...

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Mar 232026

Regarding the accident off the coast of Henoko, Nago City, where two boats capsized and two people died, while an investigation into the cause is urgently needed, various opinions have been raised regarding the decision to send students to Henoko as part of their peace education program. Experts say that ensuring safety is the top priority, and that calm discussion is necessary to ensure that the learning opportunity is not lost. The students from Doshisha International High School involved in the accident had chosen a course that included a visit to the waters off Henoko as part of their peace education program. The school explained the reason for setting up the course as follows: Doshisha International High School Principal Kikuo Nishida: "We included Henoko in our Okinawa training course with the hope that students would have an opportunity to consider the meaning of seeing the reality of Okinawa, which is difficult to grasp while living in Kyoto, rather than hiding it." The school emphasizes that it was purely a "learning opportunity" for the students. However, criticism of the fact that students were allowed on a boat operated by a group opposing the relocation of Futenma Air Base to Henoko intensified immediately after the accident, with a barrage of slander and defamation occurring, mainly on social media. Professor Kenta Yamada, Senshu University: "Upon hearing the news, I was extremely surprised and deeply saddened by this tragic accident." Professor Kenta Yamada of Senshu University, who specializes in freedom of speech law, points out that the criticism of the accident is extending to school trips and peace education itself. Professor Yamada: "There is a trend of unilaterally attacking and trying to unilaterally abolish on-site field trips. I believe we must properly confront this and continue to provide students with such opportunities." Many schools visit Okinawa every year to reflect on the scars of the Battle of Okinawa, the continuing heavy burden of military bases, and to consider peace. Professor Yamada, who travels to Okinawa with students, emphasizes the significance of visiting the site. Professor Yamada: Students possess a sensitivity far beyond what we adults realize. Beyond basic knowledge, they gain a profound understanding of the atmosphere and circumstances of a place by experiencing things firsthand—for example, the wind, the colors, the smells. Professor Yamada argues that education is about creating a foundation for accepting diverse opinions and values, and providing opportunities for this. Professor Yamada: Of course, not all ten people should be moved in the same way, or even if they are moved in the same way. At the time, it might seem meaningless. However, by accumulating these experiences, we must create many opportunities for learning, and we must not stifle these opportunities. Professor Yamada emphasizes the need for thorough investigation of the accident and ensuring the safety of learning environments, while also stating that calm discussion is necessary to avoid stifling peace education and visits to such sites. Professor Yamada stresses the importance of thorough investigation into the accident and ensuring safety in learning environments, and stresses the need for calm discussion to prevent it from stifling peace education or visits to such sites. Professor Yamada: I think it's important not to grasp peace or protest through mere images, but to take a step further and properly examine what peace education actually is and what it entails.

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