Story of boy killed in 1985 JAL crash resonates with kids, parents

Very sad story but good on her for finding the strength to talk about the tragedy and her son's death.

That was tragedy unparalleld. Sakamoto Ryu also lost his life in that crash.

Sakamoto Ryu is alive and well, Sakamoto Kyu was killed in the 'plane crash.

Yubaru, nurses in Okinawa who died during WWII have absolutely nothing to do with the story above, nor does mental health really (as she talks about death and accidents, not suicide or other mental health issues).

Harry - Thanks. That's both good and bad to hear.

Rather unusual in a country that typically hides emotions to have someone dedicate their life to talking about loss.

This boy died a tragic death in pursuit of a dream, not alone, but with so many others. Similar to the nurses in Okinawa who died during WWII, a few survivors have dedicated their lives to keeping the memories alive so we dont repeat the same mistakes again.

People NEED to understand the importance of mental health!

I remember watching a documentary about this crash. It was sad to see so many family members mourning the losses of loved ones.

Yubaru - there is zero connection to mental health issues in this story.

Kids are more intelligent than adults usually think they are. Talking with them and teaching them about death (the most certain aspect of life) is surely necessary, and should not be but all means avoided...

This young boy reminds me of my kids. So sorry for this womans loss, no words can replace him. Today this boy would be about 6 years younger then me. What really got me is this little guy boarded a plane by himself with his back pack and snacks. WOW....brave little boy.

Very heart wrenching story... RIP Ken. Thank you Mrs. Miyajima for helping others. Ken’s death was not in vain...

Yubaru, nurses in Okinawa who died during WWII have absolutely nothing to do with the story above, nor does mental health really (as she talks about death and accidents, not suicide or other mental health issues).

IT was used as an example of people who dedicate their lives in memory of a loss.

If that isn't a "mental health" issue then I have no idea what is. Her going around talking about her son is to keep his memory alive within her, by sharing it with others. Otherwise what's the point? How many hundreds of others died on that plane along with him? You don't see others doing what she did, nor do you see all that many doing what the nurses did either.

If you can't see the connections, then I can't help you.

That was tragedy unparalleld. Sakamoto Ryu also lost his life in that crash.

(One quibble with the editors: "Ken Miyajima took an airplane alone from Tokyo to Osaka." implies that he arrived. I would substitute the verb "boarded.")