Key Facts
• August 12, 2025, marks 40 years since JAL Flight 123 crash.
• 520 lives were lost in the crash on Osutaka Ridge, Gunma Prefecture.
• Kanichi Kurosawa, 82, has maintained the site for 19 years as the second caretaker.
• Kurosawa climbs the mountain 26–27 times monthly to clean and maintain the area.
• He installs handrails, bridges, and stairs manually to aid visiting families.
• Yoshiteru Shimamoto, 69, lost his father in the crash but avoided the same flight due to ticket unavailability.
• Families continue to visit the site annually to honor their loved ones.
• Kurosawa’s efforts include creating water stations and improving paths for safer access.
• Despite his age, Kurosawa remains committed to preserving the site for families.
• The crash highlights the enduring importance of remembering lives lost and valuing life itself.
Summary
The 40th anniversary of the JAL Flight 123 crash, which claimed 520 lives, highlights the dedication of Kanichi Kurosawa, the 82-year-old caretaker of Osutaka Ridge. For 19 years, Kurosawa has maintained the crash site, climbing the mountain nearly daily to ensure it remains accessible for grieving families. His manual efforts to install stairs, handrails, and water stations have been deeply appreciated by visitors like Yoshiteru Shimamoto, who lost his father in the tragedy. Despite his advancing age, Kurosawa continues his work, driven by the families’ gratitude and the importance of preserving the memory of the lives lost. The crash serves as a poignant reminder of life’s fragility and the enduring impact of such tragedies.
