200 river lanterns honor victims of Japan's worst air crash on 40th anniversary
Around 200 lanterns with messages written by bereaved family members such as, "Praying for safety in the skies," and, "We will never forget what happened 40 years ago," were floated down the Kanna River at the foot of Osutaka Ridge in Ueno, Gunma Prefecture, where the plane crashed. The lanterns shined in the dusk amid light rain.
Mariko Kawaguchi, a 64-year-old specially appointed university professor from Tokyo, visited Ueno for the first time in 10 years. She lost her father Hirotsugu, 52 at the time of the crash, whom she described as sincere and a family-oriented man. She wrote on a lantern, "I've become 12 years older than you were, Dad. Thank you so much for these past 40 years." She told the Mainichi Shimbun, "I'm grateful that so many people have continued to take care of this place with such sincerity."
The sound of accordions played by a citizens' group from the prefectural city of Takasaki could be heard at the site. They performed music including "Ue o Muite Aruko," know in English as "Sukiyaki," a signature song by Kyu Sakamoto, who also died in the accident. Masami Uehara, the 71-year-old leader of the group, explained, "We play with prayers that no more aviation accidents will occur. I hope those prayers reach the hearts of the people here."
Children and teachers from the local Ueno Elementary School also participated. Yukimasa Ihara, an 11-year-old student in sixth grade, said, "I learned about the crash at my school and from my dad, and it made me feel sad. I want to share this with younger kids and students who transfer here."
On the morning of Aug. 12, bereaved family members climb the mountain trail to Osutaka Ridge. A memorial service is also held at the "Irei no Sono" memorial garden at the foot of the mountain, allowing participants to observe a moment of silence at 6:56 p.m., the exact time of the crash.
(Japanese original by Sakae Kato, Maebashi Bureau)
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