It has been four years since the sightseeing boat sinking off the coast of Shiretoko, Hokkaido, which occurred in 2022, as of April 23.

A memorial ceremony will be held in the town of Shari in the afternoon.

On the 23rd, marking the fourth anniversary of the accident, gentle waves were washing ashore at the Utoro fishing port in Shari, where the sightseeing boat KAZU I had departed.

In the sightseeing boat sinking incident off Shiretoko on April 23, 2022, 20 passengers and crew members died, and the whereabouts of six people remain unknown.

On the 23rd, a flower offering stand has been set up at the Shari Town Fishermen’s Center from 10 a.m., and a memorial ceremony will be held from 1 p.m., with the families of the passengers expected to attend.

Shiretoko

Shiretoko is a remote, mountainous peninsula in northeastern Hokkaido, Japan, known for its pristine wilderness and rich biodiversity. Its name comes from the Ainu language, meaning “end of the earth,” reflecting its isolated location. Designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2005, the area is famous for its dramatic coastline, drift ice in winter, and abundant wildlife such as brown bears, deer, and seabirds.

Hokkaido

Hokkaido, Japan’s northernmost island, is known for its stunning natural landscapes, including volcanoes, hot springs, and ski resorts. Historically, it was originally inhabited by the indigenous Ainu people before becoming a Japanese territory in the late 19th century, when the Meiji government promoted large-scale settlement and development. Today, it is famous for its agriculture, seafood, and annual Sapporo Snow Festival.

Shari

Shari is a town located on the Shiretoko Peninsula in Hokkaido, Japan, known as the gateway to the Shiretoko National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Historically, Shari developed as a fishing and forestry community, with its name derived from the Ainu word “saru,” meaning “place where reeds grow.” Today, it is a popular base for visitors exploring the peninsula’s pristine wilderness, including its brown bear populations, volcanic landscapes, and dramatic coastline.

Utoro fishing port

Utoro Fishing Port is located on the Shiretoko Peninsula in Hokkaido, Japan, and serves as a key base for the region’s fishing industry, particularly for salmon and crab. The port gained historical significance as the departure point for the first Japanese settlers to the disputed Northern Territories after World War II. Today, it is also a popular tourist gateway for exploring the nearby Shiretoko National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site.

Shari Town Fishermen’s Center

The Shari Town Fishermen’s Center is a key facility in Shari, Hokkaido, Japan, supporting the local fishing industry, which is vital to the town’s economy. The center serves as a hub for fishermen to process, market, and distribute catches, particularly salmon and other seafood from the Sea of Okhotsk. Its history is deeply tied to the development of Shari’s coastal fisheries, reflecting the community’s long-standing reliance on the sea for livelihood and cultural identity.