Education Minister in Japan Expresses Regret over School Baseball Harassment Incidents
Japanese Education Minister Expresses Deep Regret over Bullying Incident at Koryo High School
Japanese Education Minister Toshiko Abe has voiced her deep disappointment and regret over a violent bullying incident that took place at Koryo High School's baseball team during the national summer high school baseball championship in January. The incident, which involved several second-year teammates assaulting a first-year student in the dormitory, was reported to the school in February.
At a press conference, Minister Abe described the acts as "deeply regrettable" and "inexcusable." She urged the school to properly care for the victim and implement measures to prevent any recurrence of such bullying. Abe also cautioned the public against spreading slander or escalating harassment through social media, warning that such actions could lead to new human rights abuses.
Following the incident, the school reported the case to relevant baseball federations, and a formal reprimand was issued to Koryo High School. The principal pledged a swift overhaul of the school’s educational approach in response to the incident.
Additional steps included an internal inquiry, police investigation following the victim's formal complaint, and the temporary relief of the head coach pending a third-party panel review. The incident sparked a wider debate on bullying and harsh traditions in Japanese high school baseball culture, with calls for systemic reforms to prioritize player welfare and accountability over tradition and competition.
The bullying involved acts that broke the dormitory's rules. The victim, who has since left the school, has reportedly been the subject of slanderous social media posts that use the perpetrators' real names. The school's actions, including reporting the incident and cooperating with investigations, demonstrate their commitment to addressing bullying.
Minister Abe's statements come as the national federation issued a stern warning to Koryo High School in March. Abe has called for the high school to take immediate action to support the victim and prevent such incidents from happening again. She urged the public to respond calmly to the situation to avoid further harm.
The bullying incident at Koryo High School serves as a stark reminder of the need to address bullying in Japanese schools and sports culture. Minister Abe's call for compassionate victim support, preventive measures by the school, and a responsible public response is a step towards creating a safer and more supportive environment for all students.
Minister Abe suggested that the media should exercise responsibility in reporting the bullying incident at Koryo High School, avoiding the spread of slander or further harassment via social media outlets. She emphasized the importance of education in promoting a culture of respect and understanding.
The minister also encouraged the school's sports teams to use positive messaging through media platforms, such as photos and videos, to promote sportsmanship and foster a more inclusive environment within the high school sports culture.
