Man gets suspended sentence for causing plane to divert after refusing to wear mask

Narcissists get pleasure from both negative and positive attention it makes no difference to them it's still supply.

if one insisted not wearing masks everywhere except office that required to.

that is a yield, your belief should goes above and beyond everything. lol.

Whatever the penalty and whoever he is and however it was handled, just don’t fly peach…

2 years ?seriously? stupid judges. He should have just been fined

The dude is legit an @$$hole but regardless of his delinquency, making people wear masks is absolutely ridiculous. Just stop. This wouldn't have happened with this particular PoS had everyone just let him be.

travelbangaijin - His face says checks and balances - the power of the people.

His face says "punch me".

The alleged assault on the woman is a minor offence and if he had no prior convictions a suspended sentence is the norm here.

Assaulting a steward in mid flight would, in many countries, be considered as endangering an aircraft. In my native country it would be highly likely that he would not have his sentence suspended.

Interesting, that many comments on this issue seemingly supporting this mans actions are the same commentator's whom constantly quote (like parrots) that laws in JAapan must be obeyed and that "he broke the law" etc. etc. etc.

How single is this guy ?

Mr McCarthy

The accused touched her arm which is deemed as assault, he didn’t punch or behave that beastly. I have confidence that the judge knows more about the matter than you

Stupid all around. Stupid to force the rules on everyone, and stupid to make an issue out of it after boarding the plane. By both sides.

The alleged assault on the woman is a minor offence and if he had no prior convictions a suspended sentence is the norm here.

Assault on a woman is a minor offense? He should have been given 5 years of hard time for that alone.!.

Hr’s clearly got some mental issues given his past behaviour.

Agree. I guess we are quick to lambast someone's behaviour without realising perhaps the individuals has some psychological problems.

Revealing how some people are prepared to accept or overlook his physical assaults.

Very revealing.

Quite the neighbourhood.

Obviously not wearing a mask does not interfere with the safety of the vehicle. This brave man is trying to show everyone how dumb they are.

Temyong

Inside a jet plane is an enclosed environment and masks won’t do you any good. The size of the virus is astronomically smaller than the size of particles masks can block. It is like a grain of rice being thrown out of the window. Policy is not really based on science but for control.

Apologies for the length of this reply, but this misinformation has been debunked time and time again,

The virus that causes COVID-19 is about 0.1 micrometer in diameter. (A micrometer (µm) is one one-thousandth of a millimeter.) The holes in woven cloth are visible to the naked eye and may be five to 200 micrometers in diameter. It is counter-intuitive that cloth can be useful in this setting — it’s been compared to putting up a chain-link fence to stop mosquitoes. However, that analogy is wrong in many ways.

According to aerosol science, whenever liquid hangs in air it is technically an aerosol, but other disciplines use the word “droplet” to mean a coarse particle five micrometers or larger, and reserve “aerosol” for fine particles smaller than five micrometers in effective diameter.

When we breathe, talk, eat, cough, sneeze or sing, we emit particles across a range of sizes, both coarse and fine, and the virus is in those particles. Even though there are gaps between the threads in cloth, the threads are usually wider than the gaps.

Also, at this microscopic level, the thread has thickness, or depth, so the gap is more a tunnel than a window. Microfilaments from broken or irregular threads project into the gap. The particle is not like a mosquito, which can redirect itself to avoid obstacles. A particle with momentum will run into a fibre, even though the air stream is diverted around it, like a ball hitting a wall — this is called impaction.

But at the microscopic level, there are two additional processes in play. Particles also fall out of the air — called sedimentation. Some particles are moving randomly and this random motion brings them into contact with fibres — called diffusion. Finally, cloth can be used in multiple layers, adding a second and third gauntlet for the particle to run before it reaches the other side.

The point is not that some particles may penetrate the cloth, but that some are blocked.

Lol Japan will waste energy diverting a flight and then tax payer dollars persecuting something that should even be a requirement. I refuse to wear a mask unless I am in my office and I have to.

"Both private commercial entities that set their own rules."

Right, but what I'm saying is that their rules are wrong if they involve forcing people to do something against their will. The mask stuff is based on the recommendation of the MHLW, which says don't force people.

Then don't fly. You want to fly in Japan? You wear a mask. And you certainly do not interfere w. the flight crew.

This idiot got off very easy. I hope that the company billed him for extra fuel and any other extraneous expenses incurred so that he could be a jerk.

"Both private commercial entities that set their own rules."

Right, but what I'm saying is that their rules are wrong if they involve forcing people to do something against their will. The mask stuff is based on the recommendation of the MHLW, which says don't force people.

An airline and a restaurant. Both private commercial entities that set their own rules. If you don't like their rules, you have the freedom to not use them and go elsewhere. Find an airline and restaurant that don't require masks. Simple. That he punched a cop in the face at the restaurant tells you all you need to know about this self-entitled, unstable trouble-maker.

What a terribly queer affair, though not as queer as some of the responses here and the missing details regarding this incident.

The gentleman took Peach rather that Jet Star as Peach did not have a mask wearing rule on its flights at the time. Thus, he decided to travel with this company. The resulting disruption, waste of time to others etc was caused by Peach allowing this to occur. He was allowed to board the flight maskless and was asked to inflight which caused the disruption.

Whether his actions are morally right or wrong are irrelevant and this is the reason for the light sentence. The flight could have continued with him unmasked but Peach made the decisions that caused disruptions.he could have been banned from flying with the airline again instead of this overblown drama.

The alleged assault on the woman is a minor offence and if he had no prior convictions a suspended sentence is the norm here.

plane did not need to be diverted and could land as planned.

did they "solve" anything abt covid infection risk by that plane diverting?

or its kind of another "covid science" we have never heard about yet?

There's always one!

Wish it was only one. Unfortunately, there are a lot of man-babies and Karens out there.

I’m just shocked to find out some are employed.

The should have been a mental health assessments before wasting the courts time, maybe there are underlying issues

Hr’s clearly got some mental issues given his past behaviour.

No balanced adult would get this hysterical about being asked to wear a mask.

This is like a witch hunt in the Middle Ages. I am innocent, and this is a false accusation

Sit down, lad. Get medicated.

Why doesn’t the article say he was asthmatic like most others output there?

Asthmatic individuals are more likely to die or suffer permanent symptoms from COVID, so it is ironic when they use that as an excuse for letting the disease spread like wildfire.

The size of the virus is astronomically smaller than the size of particles masks can block. It is like a grain of rice being thrown out of the window. Policy is not really based on science but for control.

Anti-maskers talk as if coronavirus particles magically teleport through masks, so masks are useless.

Virus particles are indeed tiny, and it is true that some masks allow for some virus particles to pass through due to the type of material used or leakage around the edges, but even without a deep understanding of science it should be obvious that blocking as many virus particles as possible (especially larger droplets) will help reduce transmissions throughout the population.

There's always one!

If only Japanese were more like this guy... There is no mandate to wear masks in japan streets or office. its amazing that this is enforced. REDICULOUS

Alan HarrisonToday  01:23 am JST

Generally speaking, suspended sentences for serious crimes (and assaulting a steward is serious) are given to those who show remorse, and reflect on their actions (in many cases pay compensation). This man has shown no remorse at all, and as the judge said, has little reflected on his actions, and so I fail to see why the sentence was suspended.

I think the judge sympathises with his cause, so didn't want to punish him any further.

inside a jet plane is an enclosed environment and masks won’t do you any good. The size of the virus is astronomically smaller than the size of particles masks can block. It is like a grain of rice being thrown out of the window. Policy is not really based on science but for control.

He is the kind of entitled fool you see around Tokyo everyday.

Turn him into an upgraded Man In The Iron Mask as a punishment!

How to avoid this in the future: don't try to force people to wear masks.

In fact if you read the fine print on the mask guidance from the MHLW it says plainly that no one is to be forced to wear a mask against their will. So all these companies and institutions enforcing mask compliance are wrong in telling people they have to wear a mask. PPE is not required to fly safely on a plane.

Good on him. The Japanese need to move from their mask culture.

Sick. Supporting violence against women as well as violence against police officers performing their duty.

Another hysterical middle aged man who struggles to contain violent tendencies.

Good on him. The Japanese need to move on from their mask culture.

Absolute dropkick.

I hope this loser has been put on a no-fly list due to his violence against women on board. Flying is a stressful enough experience for many without having complete jerks like this guy making things worse.

Why make life so difficult.

The should have been a mental health assessments before wasting the courts time, maybe there are underlying issues.

Yeah right their loss ? I doubt it very much. More like a bonus to their business and the community Because their business model is to serve the public communities. Not a self centered individual who refuses to be part of the community heath restrictions weather it works or not it the community and the business protocol.

Can you prove the flight staff or other passengers didn't use physical force in trying to get him to wear a mask? Otherwise, coping/defending an indefensible policy.

Nobody even argued this was the case making up imaginary reasons to justify violence as long as you like the reason for that violence is not an argument.

 The judge should now apologise to Okanu, free him and, last but not least, oblige Pearl Airline to pay Okuno a 4 or 5 figure sum.

Because you make assumptions that could be demonstrated as wrong? that is just wishful thinking.

*I recently flew to Japan on United Airlines, originating in the US. Before boarding, they announced that because the plane goes to Japan, everyone has to wear a mask for the duration of the flight. When we got on, there was one guy not wearing a mask, not even around his neck. Nobody on the flight crew said anything to him. So I took mine off. One by one, basically all the white people had taken their masks off by the middle of the flight. On the way home from Japan, no such announcement was made, and basically no white people had a mask on*

This tells me three things about the person who made the comment. 1.) His photo would look identical to that of the man in the story. 2.) He truly believes his comment is completely neutral and normal. 3.) What other people of color were on his flights? How many different colors? One? Two? Three? And why did those people (clearly inferior humans) keep their masks on?

Glad there are still people like him in Japan who don't just inanely toe the line without any thought to their inactions.

Th photo doesn't do him any favours though!

That pretty much sums up every commenter with a - negative vote next to their comment. These "lone wolfs for justice! Because, "we're in that special, in the-know-group! Unlike you "sheeple"

That photo of him? Look in the mirror. That's what the rest of the world sees when they look at YOU.

"In the name of (my) freedom, we defend the right to threaten, assault, attack, punch and hit, authorities, strangers!"

In any society, we call them a menace. And mentally ill.

garypenDec. 14  04:49 pm JST

Wow. It's amazing how these types of guys look like complete a-holes, regardless of ethnicity. Same derpy smirk, like they're smarter than everyone else, despite the complete opposite being true.

...two years in prison, suspended for four years...

I am so sick of seeing that nonsense. Have they run out of room in Japanese prisons or something?

He should not only have to spend some time in jail, albeit not two years, which would be excessive. But, 30-90 days seems reasonable, plus a fine of 100万円. Disrupting a flight and assaulting a flight attendant is a serious offense!

He sure is looking smug about it. Let's see how fun jail is. In the US this would be grounds for the airline to ban him for life.

That is obstruction of business, which causes loses to the airline, businesses, and individuals who will not get paid for missing work, or will have to tap into their vacation time. He should at least be held financially accountable for his selfish whim.

As for the asthmatic thing…

Hogwash. Asthma doesn’t prevent anyone with normal mental function from wearing a mask.

The other passengers should each file civil lawsuits against him for damages caused by his selfish actions.

Hefty fine in order. As in pay for the aircraft's diversion

With that kind of attitude, good luck trying to find a job again. Which company would still be willing to ever hire such a person?

Generally speaking, suspended sentences for serious crimes (and assaulting a steward is serious) are given to those who show remorse, and reflect on their actions (in many cases pay compensation). This man has shown no remorse at all, and as the judge said, has little reflected on his actions, and so I fail to see why the sentence was suspended.

His face says checks and balances - the power of the people. Wish more people understood this in Japan instead of going along. Be the nail that sticks out

Unfathomably based.

I recently flew to Japan on United Airlines, originating in the US. Before boarding, they announced that because the plane goes to Japan, everyone has to wear a mask for the duration of the flight. When we got on, there was one guy not wearing a mask, not even around his neck. Nobody on the flight crew said anything to him. So I took mine off. One by one, basically all the white people had taken their masks off by the middle of the flight. On the way home from Japan, no such announcement was made, and basically no white people had a mask on

Sounds like the plot of a bad 80s film. I would have told that story with people ripping off their masks and dancing in the aisles of the plane with cabin attendants frowning in defeat.

The man in this story sounds very unbalanced, frustrated and hysterical.

Par for the course.

NEMO,

Why had Pearl Airline not *given* Okuno a mask *when* he was entering the plane and, *informed* him that wearing it is compulsory during the flight? If Pearl Airline had *both* tried to give Okuno a mask and, warned him that would have to wear it during the flight *and,* he refused, Pearl Airline would have been legally right to refuse him entry. And the whole circus would have been unnessary.

With a suspended sentence, if the convict gets convicted of another crime within the time of suspension, they must serve the original term, plus whatever they get for the new crime.

I suspect he'll end up serving these two years. He doesn't seem like a stable enough guy to keep it together for four years without getting arrested for something again.

@CaptDingleheimer

“I recently flew to Japan on United Airlines, originating in the US. Before boarding, they announced that because the plane goes to Japan, everyone has to wear a mask for the duration of the flight. When we got on, there was one guy not wearing a mask, not even around his neck. Nobody on the flight crew said anything to him. So I took mine off. One by one, basically all the white people had taken their masks off by the middle of the flight. On the way home from Japan, no such announcement was made, and basically no white people had a mask on.”

Thats because it’s a United-ANA code share and the flights originating from the US are operated by ANA and the return flights are operated by United.

But really, it was only the “white people” who dared take off their masks? Not the black people? Or the only non Japanese on both flights were the “white people”? I’m white and your wording just made me cringe a little bit lol.

He has the complexion for the protection. They'd be lecturing the rest of us about separating trash correctly,,not making noise, cleaning up stadiums, how to use a knife and fork, and why you should feel priveleged to be here. Then they'd slap you with 3 years in the clink.

I recently flew to Japan on United Airlines, originating in the US. Before boarding, they announced that because the plane goes to Japan, everyone has to wear a mask for the duration of the flight. When we got on, there was one guy not wearing a mask, not even around his neck. Nobody on the flight crew said anything to him. So I took mine off. One by one, basically all the white people had taken their masks off by the middle of the flight. On the way home from Japan, no such announcement was made, and basically no white people had a mask on.

Good on him for not bowing to peer pressure.

Hero. Time for Japan to move on with the rest of the developed world.

Why did Peach Aviation staff allow passenger Okuno board the plane without advising assengers that, a mask must be worn during flight? 

They did. He was just determined to be a jerk about it.

After the ruling, Okuno, who appeared in court without a mask, got up to approach the judges bench. This wouldn't have never happened in the US, the minute this guy started towards the bench he would have been floored by the sheriffs in the court room instantly!

walked closer to the judge, yelling

Its uncanny, if you read the article without seeing the photo, your brain would probably have imagined him looking exactly like that. Smug, self absorbed idiot.

Causing the plane to land by his actions, twisting the flight attendants arm, punching a police officer in the face, shouting at the judge........and he walks away? Not even any costs........

Why? Why did Peach Aviation staff allow passenger Okuno board the plane without advising assengers that, a mask must be worn during flight? And why? Why was the passenger's refusal to wear a mask considered a danger to the flight? And why, after Okuno told the judge, "This is like a medieval witchunt. I am innocent. This is a false accusation," the judge still sentenced hin to two years in prison? Okuno's perfectly legal refusal was turned into the drama of the flight making a U turn and arriving at Osaka Prefecture 2 hours 15 minutes late. The judge should now apologise to Okanu, free him and, last but not least, oblige Pearl Airline to pay Okuno a 4 or 5 figure sum.

This guy caused problems for other passengers and assaulted cabin crew. And he also hit a police officer in the face. Why is he not in prison? Does he have connections?

I hope the airlines ban him from flying for life.

Most international airlines now leave it up to the individual whether they mask up or not. Most people choose not to as what’s the point when they need to eat a meal etc. You  either do the mask wearing properly - never remove it and use FFP2 - or not at all. This story is an irrelevance to those progressive countries that have moved on from expecting their citizens to cover their faces with unhygienic and flimsy pieces of paper.

A very good photograph...!

He's one of my JP heroes, I'm glad he didn't get jail time.

New candidate for the “most punchable face” award.

He will never fly again domestically that’s for sure.

Diverting the plane was a gross over-reaction. He was completely right to refuse to wear a mask as he has breathing difficulties and a mask obviously makes this worse. That's why in the UK there were exemptions for people such as him - and that's why I never have and never will wear one. Good for him having the courage to stand up for himself and for what's right.

What a douche. Who poses like that?

I doubt this whole thing is even about a mask.

It’s just some jerk who constantly needs conflict to feel good, regardless of how unnecessary it is.

One of those guys that just has a constant punchable face look and attitude flowing.

I definitely have come across people like him. They just love to be “THAT GUY.”

He should be in prison doing time! Regardless of the fact that he doesn’t want to wear a mask, he committed violent acts which itself are criminal such as twisted the arm of the flight attendant, hit a police officer on the face! Even after the ruling he made a threatening walk towards the judge! It’s just a shame that violent people like him get a suspended sentence and innocent of people who commit far smaller crimes do hard time in prison! Well that’s Japanese legal system which is one of the worst in the world!

If there’s one thing guaranteed to spark a debate and make people angry, it’s an article about masks or vaccines

What a loser. It is obvious that wearing a mask in a confined space with many people near (plane, train, office meeting etc) is better than not wearing one. This has been proven over and over. Do doctors and nurses in hospitals just wear masks for fun? Like them or not, masks undoubtedly reduce the chances of bacteria and viruses from spreading. Of course not 100%, but far higher than 0% protection. Sad that after these past 3 years of Covid, there are still idiots who think otherwise.

Wearing a mask in a crowded situation like an aircraft isn’t to protect you it’s to protect others, so he is a selfish and self-centred twerp. He bought a ticket, one would presume at the time it was part of the contractual obligation to wear a mask, ergo he was in breach of contract.

Assaulting the flight attendant was wholly unacceptable for which he should have spent time in prison, the more so as he has a record of violence.

If he behaved like that in court in the UK he would face time in custody for contempt of court if not a further arrest for threatening behaviour.

As he caused considerable cost to the airline and passengers by his wilful and criminal behaviour they should sue him for the full cost of the diversion and perhaps a class action by the passengers for all losses suffered by them.

Looks like a see you next Tuesday.

Crikey. He wasn’t wearing a mask outside the courthouse? Well at least he’s following govt. recommendations now.

If I had that face I would use a balaclava everyday, please people, hide ugly faces pretty please

For his violent acts and crap attitude he clearly could benefit from a spell inside….

One thing is certain: his flying days are over. He'll be blacklisted by every airline.

Genius.

Although the article doesn't state it, I would imagine that he'll have received a custodial sentence for the physical assault on the police officer last year, which makes it puzzling why the sentence for assaulting the flight-attendant in this case didn't merit jail-time, as he's clearly not learning the lesson that he must ensure he keeps his hands to himself.

Who does he think he is that he can go around physically harming people in such a flagrant and inappropriate way..... seems like a bully to me.

Covid-era Japan is an absolute clown show, and this is proof of it. Endless masking, quarterly boosters, and an inconvenient entry process for people coming from abroad - the "Church of Public Health Consciousness". It has become a literal religion for people here.

Imagine diverting a flight course and disrupting an entire transit timetable because one of your passengers doesn't want to put a piece of cloth over his face. And not one of the actually effective N95 masks - a piece of cloth.

He was not challenging anything, he accepted to wear a mask and then refused to comply, became violent and purposefully made a scandal knowing full well that in an airplane this is a serious offense.

Can you prove the flight staff or other passengers didn't use physical force in trying to get him to wear a mask? Otherwise, coping/defending an indefensible policy.

Clearly he’s a loose cannon causing trouble. Covid isn’t the disease, it’s the masks, plastic sheets ect that’s the real mental disease.

He should've handled himself better, but he was right in principle.

The masking rule is idiotic and should be scrapped. I'm glad judge has let him walk, suspended sentence notwithstanding. This guy is something of a flawed hero; at least he has the guts to stand up for himself and not wear a mask to the court hearing. If only more Japanese did the same instead of give in to the pressure, so much would improve here quickly, especially for the kids.

Dude should do time for the personal assaults on others.

But the mask stuff? No.

I only wear a mask at work because if I don't, I will be fired. Otherwise, no. Not on the train, the subway, in a shopping center. If people think they can protect themselves with masks, they are welcome to wear them. I even see people driving in their cars alone wearing them. Or walking alone on a public street.

IF people actually thought it was helpful, they would wear proper masks and wear them properly. But the vast majority you see are just doing it for social reasons.

Japans legal system is a circus. Anywhere else in the world he would have been fined, but not in Japan. They have to involve the whole circus wasting millions of yen in legal fees and salaries to give someone a suspended sentence for something that should not have involved the courts at all.

He should be made to do two years hard time at the very least.

lol There are probably people in your country that do a lot less time than that for more violent of a crime. Will you be out there saying all this about them? A heavy fine for disrupting business and community service/anger management sounds about right. If they exist here that is.

Miserable Christmas

I bet you he will never do that again.

The guy is clearly dumb and out of control

Good thing guns are difficult to acquire

 it makes me breathe in much of the air I have just breathed out.

what kind of mask are you wearing lol.

How come you're still alive?

Mr Kipling

Generally violence is not the answer but there are times when a good old fashioned punch in the face can instantly adjust the trouble making attitude of an attention seeker like this.

If ever there was a face just begging for it, it's the one in that photo.

Why doesn’t the article say he was asthmatic like most others output there?

good on him for challenging the BS!

He was not challenging anything, he accepted to wear a mask and then refused to comply, became violent and purposefully made a scandal knowing full well that in an airplane this is a serious offense.

 I think that wearing a mask can prove injurious to my health because it makes me breathe in much of the air I have just breathed out.

Unless you have lungs the size onf an apple this would not be correct, the anatomical dead space is the one that makes you "re-breath" around a third of air you move during ventilation, compared with that masks are just a very small contribution.

Don’t really care about the mask at all but this guy is an A-hole regardless and assaulted a flight attendant and disrupted the flight. If I were a passenger, I’d be pissed off at him. Walk around no mask, I don’t care, do whatever you want but if you’re told to wear one just wear it. Unless there are mass protests (which will never happen) Japanese are not going to so don’t waste your breath (pun intended).

I live in Canada. I have never worn a mask in public or in private during the last three years or, at any time. I have never been warned or arrested. I think that wearing a mask can prove injurious to my health because it makes me breathe in much of the air I have just breathed out.

Generally violence is not the answer but there are times when a good old fashioned punch in the face can instantly adjust the trouble making attitude of an attention seeker like this.

Makes perfect sense... the man screamed on a plane, assaulted a flight attendant mid-flight, caused the flight to be diverted (costing the company and every single passenger on board), showed little to no remorse for his actions, and screamed at the judge it was a witch hunt... so, of course, suspended sentence! It is Japan, after all.

Very selfish and irresponsible individual. Total menace to society. Endangers flight crew and passengers. Abuses judge. Hits a police officer. Even outside court he's not masked up. A suspended sentence is inadequate. He should be made to do two years hard time at the very least.

Why doesn’t the article say he was asthmatic like most others output there?

good on him for challenging the BS!

So you are happy to spend the rest of your life in one place for refusing to wear a mask?

A flight attendant had her arm twisted after trying to give the man, who is a former part-time staff member at Meiji Gakuin University, a piece of paper that requested he did not impede the safety of the flight.

Ghastly.

He looks like the type of nutball, on the train, who doesn't wear a mask.

Just give him a wide berth!!

Was he wearing a mask when it took off?

Lol...He doesn't look like a selfish fool at all, does he?

I never wear masks in airplanes, either. Of course, I haven't been in an airplane in over five years, and probably ten years before that. I just don't go anywhere that requires masks. I have had exactly one place of business tell me to either wear a mask or don't shop there. Guess what? I no longer shop there. Their loss, because I used to go there every day.

Wow. It's amazing how these types of guys look like complete a-holes, regardless of ethnicity. Same derpy smirk, like they're smarter than everyone else, despite the complete opposite being true.

...two years in prison, suspended for four years...

I am so sick of seeing that nonsense. Have they run out of room in Japanese prisons or something?

He should not only have to spend some time in jail, albeit not two years, which would be excessive. But, 30-90 days seems reasonable, plus a fine of 100万円. Disrupting a flight and assaulting a flight attendant is a serious offense!

Very interesting.

Glad there are still people like him in Japan who don't just inanely toe the line without any thought to their inactions.

Th photo doesn't do him any favours though!