Newspaper articles of judo injuries resulting in death: 1984 – 2010 [23]
Shock and sadness: Second year junior high school student dies after hitting his head during judo training
The Asahi Shimbun, Yamanashi
July 7, 1996
A second year student of Kamijou Junior High School, Ken Higuchi (14), collapsed on July 5 during a judo training class managed by the Junior Sport Club in his junior high school dojo. He died of cerebral hemorrhage on July 6. As he was expected to take part in Yamanashi Prefecture Youth Judo Tournament on July 7, he was well known. People who knew him were shocked to hear of his sudden death. “He was preparing very hard,” said Principal Iwama.
On July 5 he practiced about one hour with the after-school judo club members before he attended the judo class of the Junior Sport Club. School was cut short on July 6 to hold a special assembly, where his death was announced and people were allowed to pray for him. It was also announced that teachers and members of sports clubs would ensure safety during activities from now on.
A physical therapist who manages the judo class said, “I still can’t believe he died. It’s the first time in 22 years of my judo career that someone has died. Injury prevention is the most important thing I emphasize. I can’t help but feel responsible.”
