On August 12, 1985, JAL flight 123 traveling from Tokyo’s Haneda Airport to Osaka crashed midflight, resulting in the death of 520 passengers and employees.

Forty years later, on August 12, 2025, 238 bereaved families hiked to the mountain ridge where the plane crashed and prayed at the grave marker.

Some family members spoke on how this may be the last time they make the hike.

Man who lost his brother: My brother led the way these past 40 years. I feel like this may be the last time.

In the afternoon, 520 candles were lit at the memorial located at the foot of the mountain to signify the 520 lives lost.

There was a moment of silence at 6:56PM, the time the accident occurred.

Only 17 people from the time of the accident are still with the company, making it difficult to pass on the memories of the accident.

JAL President Tottori Mitsuko said that safety is a prerequisite no matter how many years have passed, and JAL will continue to operate safely.