August 12 marks the 40th anniversary of a Japan Airlines jumbo jet crash that claimed over 500 lives, making it the world’s deadliest single-plane accident.

The flight took off from Tokyo’s Haneda Airport on August 12, 1985, bound for Osaka but crashed into a mountain in the village of Ueno in Gunma Prefecture. A total of 520 passengers and crew members died.

Amid occasional rain on Tuesday, the victims’ families and others hiked up to the crash site on Osutaka Ridge in Gunma Prefecture, north of Tokyo.

Participants placed flowers before grave markers and gathered at a cenotaph to pray for the victims. They then released balloons with messages such as prayers for aviation safety written on them.

As four decades have passed since the accident, the families have aged, and fewer people have first-hand knowledge of the accident. The challenge of remembering and passing on the lessons learned remains.

There are also plans for a service to be held at a memorial facility at the foot of the mountain in the evening.

JAL Group employees hold moment of silence

JAL Group companies hold annual commemorations at individual workplaces. About 100 employees participated in a moment of silence at Osaka Airport.

A 32-year-old flight attendant said crew members are entrusted with taking care of the lives of every passenger. She said she wants to carry out her duties by always remembering that each one has their own precious family members.

A 41-year-old pilot said there is no end to pursuing safety. He said he wants to nip problems and errors in the bud while being aware that accidents can happen.