High schools postpone navigation training on missile fears

Wednesday 10th September, 05:09 AM JST

The requested article has expired, and is no longer available. Any related articles, and user comments are shown below.

11 Comments

OssanULTRA at 07:16 AM JST - 10th September

In the past 10 years NKorea has fired a Taepoding which flew completely over Japan and landed in the Pacific. They have also fired several times Silkworm types with short ranges. I am bewidered how these two schools came to the conclusion that any of NKorea's missle firing activities translates into a direct threat to a single small vessel one in Japanese coastal waters and another headed to Hawaii. As far as I am aware, NKOrea has never fired towards Japan any missles with active warheads nor have they ever targeted specific ships or locations.
Sidwarwick at 07:53 AM JST - 10th September

The risk of one of these ships being hit by a missile is miniscule. If they were to avoid all risks of this magnitude the ships would never leave port. Clearly there is a political motive behind this announcement.
Notginger at 09:00 AM JST - 10th September

Why stop the ships? Ah, so that all the kids can be at home with their families when the missiles strike. Wouldn't want any survivors.
OgieDoggie at 09:01 AM JST - 10th September

After having a Japanese School boat sunk by a U.S. Submarine (Japan's friend) a few years ago, I would think a North Korean (not Japan's friend) Missile would be the last thing to worry about.
soldave at 09:22 AM JST - 10th September

Please tell me that's a joke and they didn't really have this fear. Just admit that it's scaremongering and then everyone will go home happy that things are out in the open.
mushroomcloud at 09:25 AM JST - 10th September

"I am bewidered how these two schools came to the conclusion that any of NKorea's missle firing activities translates into a direct threat to a single small vessel one in Japanese coastal waters and another headed to Hawaii"

I think that 60 years of American military protection has produced a japan devoid of it's past bushido spirit. Hence, any excuse can and will be made in order not to press ahead with any endeavor. Your observation is spot on, japan has become a very timid nation.
Alphaape at 10:00 AM JST - 10th September

I think this is a big over reaction. By the time the ship left, within 24 hours it would be out of the range of a missile that North Korea fired even if it tried to shoot one over Japan. I would be more concerned about one falling down on Japan in an overflight attempt, or one veering into the ocean right after launch from North Korea than one hitting a ship in the Pacific Ocean.

I guess it would be safe to say that none of these students will ever volunteer for the Self Defense Forces here in Japan.
serindipity at 10:44 AM JST - 10th September

Are they really so paranoid? I would have thought there are greater risks within Japan.
medievaltimes at 11:39 AM JST - 10th September

I wonder if any of the high school kids realize this is stupid.
bushlover at 04:25 PM JST - 10th September

They have more chance of being killed by a peer or a parent or a sibling than a missile falling from the sky.
Youdontknow at 08:09 PM JST - 10th September

It's a typical Japanese reaction to typical adult Japanese scaremongering. These kids will either realise it's a load of piffle or they will be freaked out and think North Korea is going to start a war with Japan, and all because some idiot at these schools has too much time on his hands instead of worrying about how he can enhance grades.