*Content Warning: This video discusses abuse, suicide, and bullying.*
The practice of “taibatsu,” or corporal punishment, has deep roots in Japan’s education system, especially in its youth sports programs where abusive coaches often go unpunished.
Tsubasa Araya was a star volleyball player. He was tall, respected by his friends, and outwardly happy. But he was struggling with the effects of years of verbal abuse by his coach—a man who was accused of bullying but allowed to continue coaching.
Tsubasa tragically committed suicide, making him the latest high school athlete to do so because of their coach’s abuse.
VICE News meets his father Satoru Araya as he fights to hold the school accountable for his son’s death.
*Correction* – @03:19 – The father’s name was incorrectly spelt. Should be ‘Satoru Araya’
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