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Sakasita NoboruCaptain of the Japanese schooner "Kisshin-Maru 31".
Country:
 Japan |
Content:
- Captain Noboru Sakashita
- Arrest and Charges
- Japan's Response
- Sakashita's Plea
- Court Sentence
- Return to Japan
- Background
Captain Noboru Sakashita
Noboru Sakashita, a 59-year-old fisherman from the Northern Japanese city of Nemuro, commanded the Japanese fishing vessel "Kishin-Maru 31."
Arrest and Charges
On August 16, 2006, Sakashita ventured into Russian territorial waters aboard his fishing vessel. Russian border guards detained the vessel near the Tanfilliev Island in the Lesser Kuril Islands, claiming it had no identification markings, was ignoring signals, and was attempting to flee towards Japanese waters. Only after warning shots were fired at the vessel's path and stern did it stop approximately 400 meters from the Russian border.
During the incident, one of the four Japanese crew members, Mitsujirou Morita, was killed. The remaining crew were taken into custody, and the vessel was escorted to the port settlement of Yuzhno-Kurilsk. Sakashita faced charges of illegally crossing the Russian state border and poaching.
Japan's Response
The Japanese government condemned the actions of the Russian border guards and demanded an apology, compensation, and the return of the three detained fishermen and their vessel.
Sakashita's Plea
Sakashita fully admitted his guilt for poaching and requested leniency, citing his responsibility to provide for his elderly parents, his 57-year-old wife, and his obligations to the family of the deceased crew member.
Court Sentence
On September 21, 2006, Sakashita was sentenced by the South-Kuril District Court to pay a fine of 250,000 rubles, forfeit the "Kishin-Maru 31," and compensate for material damages amounting to 245,000 rubles.
Return to Japan
On October 3, 2006, Sakashita left Russia and returned home after the Japanese government paid his fine. The Japanese government vowed to challenge the confiscation of the "Kishin-Maru 31."
Background
Between 1994 and 2005, the Russian authorities detained 30 Japanese fishing vessels and 210 crew members in the South Kuril Islands. Seven crew members were injured during the detentions. Morita's death marked the first fatal incident in over half a century on Russian territory disputed by Japan.
