Caution: Sad story to follow.
Last May, a newly-minted third-year female student at Taishi High School (岱志高校) in Kita Kumamoto left a note to her parents complaining of bullying and committed suicide. Subsequent investigations revealed frequent verbal abuse from classmates.
In mid-February this year, school representatives visited the parents’ house to inform them that no photos of their daughter would be published in the school album - not her portrait photo, and even photos of events were curated to exclude any that contained images of the deceased. This was done with no discussion with the bereaved. The mother was dismayed, saying “I’m shocked that the very existence of my daughter has vanished.” But it was too late: the albums had already been printed. Chagrined (and probably fearing heavily negative publicity), the school agreed to manually tape several photographs of the girl on a blank page at the back of each album.
The school’s actions deserve criticism, but the attention it has brought might ironically have worked out best for the girl’s classmates: Now, each opening of that album will be a reminder that actions have consequences.
The TELL Japan lifeline is open 24 hours for anyone considering suicide or who suspects others are. Their website has useful information. Let’s watch out for each other. - William
