Image Credits: Japan Today
On the 39th anniversary of the Japan Airlines Flight 123 disaster, families and friends of the 520 victims gathered for a poignant memorial hike to the crash site nestled in the rugged terrain of Osutaka Ridge. The 1985 tragedy remains one of the deadliest aviation disasters in history.
The solemn procession began at dawn as climbers navigated a challenging mountain trail, ascending to the memorial site situated 1,560 meters above sea level in Ueno, a village north of Tokyo. Along the arduous path, mourners paused to offer prayers and tributes at memorial markers dedicated to the victims, finding solace in their personal connection to the site.
Among the attendees were four former students of Shinwa Girls’ Senior High School in Kobe, who made the pilgrimage to honor three teachers from their school who perished in the crash. They recounted their grief and memories at a memorial marker, reflecting on the passage of nearly four decades. One of the women, visibly moved, remarked, “It’s been a long time,” as they held a video call with those unable to make the trek.
Kimi Ozawa, 68, who lost her husband in the crash, spearheaded the memorial hike, guiding the group with a deep sense of purpose and remembrance. The gathering also included Takeyuki Tanaka, 74, from Gose, Nara Prefecture, who paid tribute to his younger sister and niece with a favorite beer, affirming, “Your family is doing well.”
The tragic crash of Flight 123, which occurred at 6:56 p.m. on August 12, 1985, claimed the lives of 520 out of 524 passengers and crew members aboard. The catastrophe was attributed to a faulty repair job performed by Boeing technicians following a prior tail strike incident.
In the evening, a memorial service is set to take place at a garden established at the base of Osutaka Ridge, with Japan Airlines President Mitsuko Tottori scheduled to attend, underscoring the enduring impact of the disaster and the ongoing commitment to honoring those lost.