Today marks four years since the sightseeing boat sinking off the coast of Shiretoko in 2022.
A memorial ceremony will be held in the afternoon in Shari Town.
In the sightseeing boat sinking that occurred off the coast of Shiretoko on April 23, 2022, 20 passengers and crew members died, and the whereabouts of six people remain unknown.
On this fourth anniversary of the accident, a flower offering stand will be set up at the Shari Town Fishing Village Center from 10:00 a.m., and a memorial ceremony will be held from 1:00 p.m., with the victims’ families expected to attend.
Shiretoko
Shiretoko is a remote, mountainous peninsula in northeastern Hokkaido, Japan, renowned for its pristine wilderness and abundant wildlife, including brown bears and deer. Its name comes from the Ainu language, meaning “end of the earth,” reflecting its rugged, isolated geography. Recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2005, Shiretoko has a history of minimal human development, with its ecosystems remaining largely intact due to strict conservation efforts.
Shari Town
Shari Town, located in Hokkaido, Japan, is a small port community known as the gateway to the Shiretoko Peninsula, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Its history is closely tied to fishing and the indigenous Ainu culture, with development accelerating in the early 20th century due to the herring boom. Today, it attracts visitors for its scenic beauty, wildlife, and access to Shiretoko’s pristine wilderness.
Shari Town Fishing Village Center
Shari Town Fishing Village Center is a cultural and historical site in Hokkaido, Japan, known for its deep ties to the local fishing industry, particularly salmon fishing. The area has long served as a hub for traditional fishing practices and community life along the Sea of Okhotsk, reflecting the region’s heritage and reliance on marine resources. Today, it functions as a center for preserving and showcasing this maritime culture, offering visitors insight into the history and daily life of the fishing community.
