A five-year-old boy has died in a tragic accident at a ski resort in northern Japan after becoming trapped in a moving travelator that connects a parking area to the slopes, authorities said. The incident, which occurred on Sunday morning at the height of the winter holiday season, has sparked shock and raised urgent questions about safety measures at ski facilities frequented by families and children.
Incident on a Conveyor-Style Walkway
The victim, Hinata Goto, a five-year-old boy from Sapporo, was using a belt-style travelator at Asarigawa Onsen Ski Resort in Otaru, Hokkaido, when the tragic accident occurred on 28 December 2025. The travelator — a moving flat conveyor-belt-like walkway used to ferry skiers, especially beginners, from a car park to the base of the ski hill — is a common feature at many Japanese resorts.
According to Hokkaido Prefectural Police and fire authorities, Hinata fell near the exit area of the conveyor and his right arm became trapped in the turning section of the belt. Emergency services were called by his mother around 10 a.m. local time, and rescue workers spent approximately 40 minutes freeing him from the machinery before transporting him to hospital. He was unconscious upon arrival and later pronounced dead.
Equipment, Emergency Response and Safety Questions
The travelator involved in the accident is believed to be about 30 metres long and around 60 centimetres wide, and notably lacks handrails, according to resort officials and police statements. The walkway’s emergency stop function, which is designed to automatically halt the belt if a foreign object becomes caught, reportedly did not activate during the incident, forcing the boy’s mother to manually press the stop button. Resort operators said that function had been tested and was working earlier in the day.
Emergency responders, including firefighters and police, worked at the scene amid cordoned-off areas, with some witnesses — including resort visitors — describing distressing scenes as rescue efforts were underway. Officials have said the belt-type travelator remains closed while investigators examine mechanical components, emergency systems and the resort’s safety protocols and oversight.
Victim’s Profile and Family Impact
Hinata Goto was identified in official reports as a young resident of Sapporo, a major city nearby. He was visiting the ski resort with his family at the time of the accident. No further details about his family have been disclosed publicly, but the sudden loss of such a young life has deepened the tragedy’s emotional impact in both local communities and the broader region.
Local authorities have expressed deep condolences, and news reports indicate both police and resort management are cooperating fully with ongoing investigations. There has been no official comment yet on whether criminal negligence or regulatory violations might be involved; such determinations commonly take time as mechanical and procedural evidence is carefully reviewed.
Community Reaction and Resort Response
The accident occurred during Japan’s busy winter holiday season, when ski resorts in Hokkaido — one of the country’s most popular snow destinations — are crowded with families, tourists and school groups. The location’s proximity to Sapporo makes it a frequent choice for day trips and weekend getaways.
In response to the tragedy, the resort’s management apologised and said it would fully investigate the incident to prevent future accidents. Authorities have also indicated they will review safety standards for similar travelators and conveyor systems at ski areas, particularly those used by children and inexperienced skiers.
Some regular visitors to the ski area have described concerns about the design of the travelator, including changes in slope that can cause the belt to shake and the absence of handrails — issues that may have contributed to the fall. However, resort officials have not publicly confirmed any design flaws.
Industry Safety Considerations
The accident has drawn attention to a broader discussion about safety standards for ski resort infrastructure, especially equipment that transports visitors outside the main lift systems. Unlike chairlifts and gondolas — which are subject to strict oversight by Japan’s Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism — smaller conveyor travelators and similar devices often operate under less stringent regulations, placing onus on individual operators to enforce and monitor safety features.
Industry experts and resort managers nationally are expected to re-evaluate policies and emergency response training in light of the accident, with particular focus on protecting young visitors and ensuring that automatic safety systems perform reliably.
Looking Ahead: Investigation and Safety Reviews
Hokkaido police, working with resort officials and mechanical safety inspectors, have launched a formal investigation into the accident’s causes, including why the emergency stop system did not automatically activate and how the design of the walkway may have contributed to the tragic outcome. The findings could lead to revised guidelines or regulations for similar facilities across Japan’s busy winter sport destinations.
For many in the ski community — from families with young children to seasoned winter sports enthusiasts — the accident serves as a somber reminder of the need for vigilance and stringent safety measures at recreational facilities.
Conclusion: A Community in Mourning
The death of five-year-old Hinata Goto at Asarigawa Onsen Ski Resort has stunned communities in Hokkaido and beyond, prompting grief, reflection and urgent safety reviews. As investigations continue, officials, industry leaders and families alike are calling for renewed focus on preventing similar tragedies in the future — particularly as winter tourism draws thousands of visitors to Japan’s snowy slopes each year.
