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‘Not forgetting’: grieving continues 40 years after deadly Japan Airlines crash

The steady passing of ageing relatives of the victims of the 1985 Japan Airlines jumbo jet crash has been sad to watch for Kuniko Miyajima, a leading advocate for those who lost loved ones in the world’s deadliest single-aircraft accident.

But on its 40th anniversary, Miyajima’s dedication to remembering the tragedy in Japan through her support group remains steadfast, especially in the interest of future air safety.

In its first essay collection in a decade, her group self-published a booklet in mid-July in which dozens of its members record their emotional journeys and still-vivid memories of those they lost in the hopes that it will provide valuable life lessons.

“Telling our stories requires forcing our emotions out and it always carries a bit of pain. But safety is something we must build together, rather than just pray or wish for,” writes the association of bereaved families. “Not forgetting the feelings helps strengthen safety culture.”

Preserving the memories of the accident remains challenging, both among the public and within Japan Airlines. As of the end of March, only 0.1 per cent of employees had been with the company since the disaster. Including those rehired after reaching retirement age, the percentage is 3.6, according to the airline.
Rescuers carry the bodies of victims from the site of the Japan Airlines Flight 123 crash near Mount Osutaka in Japan on August 13, 1985. Photo: AFP

The association released a collection of memoirs nearly every year until the 30th anniversary, titled Akanegumo (Red Cloud). The title refers to the sunset glow that passengers and crew on aboard Flight 123 would have seen on the evening flight before the crash, which claimed the lives of all but four of the 524 on board.

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