A tragic incident at a Hokkaido ski resort has resulted in the death of a five-year-old boy, raising serious concerns about equipment safety protocols. Hinata Goto was vacationing with his family at Asarigawa Onsen Ski Resort in Otaru when the accident occurred on Sunday morning.
According to police reports, the child fell while attempting to disembark from a 30-meter travelator that connects the resort’s parking area to the ski slopes. His right arm became entangled in the machinery’s mechanisms, triggering a desperate rescue operation. Despite the travelator being equipped with an automatic safety system designed to detect obstructions and halt operations, the safety features failed to activate during the incident.
The emergency stop was ultimately triggered manually by the boy’s mother, but not before severe damage had been occurred. Rescue personnel spent approximately 40 minutes dismantling sections of the equipment to extricate the unconscious child. He was subsequently transported to a medical facility where he was pronounced dead.
Resort management confirmed that the safety mechanism had been functioning properly earlier that day, adding complexity to the investigation. The travelator, installed six years ago, features a 60-centimeter width and notably lacks protective handrails—a design element that has drawn criticism from regular visitors who reported previous instances of instability while using the equipment.
Local authorities have launched a comprehensive investigation into potential professional negligence regarding both manufacturing standards and maintenance procedures. The resort’s representatives have issued a formal apology and committed to implementing preventive measures to avoid future tragedies.
This incident casts a shadow over Hokkaido’s reputation as Japan’s premier ski destination, which attracts millions of winter sports enthusiasts annually. The case highlights critical questions about safety standards in tourist facilities and the responsibility of recreational venues to ensure visitor protection.