Four years have passed since the 2022 sightseeing boat sinking off the coast of Shiretoko, Hokkaido, on April 23.

In the town of Shari, a flower offering stand was set up, where local residents offered flowers.

On April 23, marking the fourth anniversary of the accident, the Utoro fishing port in Shari, from which the sightseeing boat KAZU I departed, saw gentle waves lapping ashore.

The sightseeing boat sinking that occurred off the coast of Shiretoko on April 23, 2022, resulted in 20 passengers and crew members dead, with six people still missing.

At the Shari Town Fishery Center, a flower offering stand was set up on April 23, where local residents offered flowers.

(A man involved in Shiretoko’s tourism industry) “I feel like time has passed in a flash. I hope that the day when the families of those on board can gather and talk with smiles will come soon, even if it takes a long time.”

A memorial service is scheduled to begin at 1:00 PM, with the families of the passengers expected to attend.

Shiretoko

Shiretoko is a remote and rugged peninsula in northeastern Hokkaido, Japan, renowned for its pristine wilderness and rich biodiversity. Designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2005, it is home to brown bears, deer, and unique marine life, while its name derives from the Ainu word “sir etok,” meaning “the end of the Earth.” Historically, the area remained largely uninhabited due to its harsh climate, but it has become a symbol of conservation and a destination for eco-tourism, offering activities like wildlife viewing and cruises along its dramatic coastline.

Hokkaido

Hokkaido, Japan’s northernmost main island, was historically known as Ezochi and was primarily inhabited by the indigenous Ainu people before large-scale Japanese settlement began in the Meiji era (late 19th century). Its development was rapidly modernized to serve as a frontier for agriculture, industry, and defense, distinct from the rest of Japan. Today, Hokkaido is celebrated for its stunning natural landscapes, national parks, ski resorts, and unique culture, making it a popular destination for outdoor activities and tourism.

Shari

Shari is a town located on the Shiretoko Peninsula in Hokkaido, Japan, known for its stunning natural landscapes and as a gateway to the Shiretoko National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Historically, the area was inhabited by the Ainu people and later developed as a fishing and forestry community during Japan’s modernization in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Today, Shari attracts visitors for its wildlife, hot springs, and the dramatic Shiretoko mountain range.

Utoro fishing port

Utoro Fishing Port, located in Shari, Hokkaido, Japan, is a key gateway to the Shiretoko Peninsula, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Historically, it developed as a hub for salmon and crab fishing, supporting local industries and tourism. Today, it serves as a departure point for sightseeing cruises and continues to reflect the region’s deep connection to the sea.