TOKYO: Eiji Hatta, the chairperson of an incorporated educational institution which operates Doshisha International Senior High School, has expressed his intention to step down to take responsibility for a fatal accident that occurred earlier this year in Henoko Okinawa Prefecture.
According to the sources within The Doshisha, Hatta conveyed his intention to resign during a board of trustee meeting held on Friday (Aug 21).
He is expected to formally resign from the post by the end of this fiscal year once matters have been settled, such as the handling of the accidents, safety measures and disciplinary action against faculty staff.
The accident occurred on March 16 when two small boats with students from the school capsized off the coast of Henoko.
A female student and one of the boat captains were killed and 14 students sustained injuries.
“I recognise the responsibility as an incorporated educational institution, and I have been contemplating my resignation.” Hatta told The Yomiuri Shimbun.
Although Hatta will resign from the position of Chairman, he will remain in such positions as Chancellor, which oversees the 14 schools that the organisation operates, as well as a member of the board of trustees.
The school’s principal, Kikuo Nishida, will also resign at the end of the month. - The Yomiuri Shimbun
