Newspaper articles of judo injuries resulting in death: 1984 – 2010 [27]
Judo club member of Hobara High School dies from injury sustained during competition: Fukushima
May 20, 1997
The Asahi Shimbun, Fukushima
A first year student and judo club member of Hobara High School, Teppei Ishizawa (15), hit his head violently when thrown with seoi-nage (shoulder throw) during the preliminary round of the All Japan High School Championships held at Fukushima City Gymnasium on May 18. He was taken to Fukushima Medical University Hospital, where he died of brain contusion at 11 pm.
Teppei had just started judo in April, according to the school. He practiced about two hours every day and this was his first official match. It was his wish to enter the competition, while his parents gave permission to the school. He participated in the individual match of the lightweight class (less than 60 kg). He was unable to break his fall when the opponent used seoi-nage from a low position.
The school held an emergency school meeting on the morning of May 19, where Principal Isobe explained the accident and requested the students be careful during sports club activities. Some students started to cry.
The preliminary matches were held on May 19 as scheduled. The Prefectural Board of Education plans to send a notification to the Principal of the school and the City Board of Education, emphasizing the prevention of similar injuries.
