Bullied Japanese sailor killed himself aboard ship, navy admits

Japan's navy has admitted that a sailor killed himself on board his ship after being persistently bullied by a superior, the latest incident to shed light on the country's little-discussed culture of hazing.

Military police yesterday sent papers on the commanding officer to prosecutors, a naval spokesman said.

Maritime Self-Defence Force chiefs said that Petty Officer First Class Koichi Goto, 42, was being investigated over claims that he persistently harassed his younger charge.

"It is deeply regrettable that the force could not prevent a suicide due to hazing," naval chief of staff Katsutoshi Kawano said.

The crew member, who was reportedly in his 30s but whose identity is being withheld by his family, took his own life earlier this year after being repeatedly hit about the head by Goto and forced to kneel with his head on the ground, the naval spokesman said.

The sailor had frequently asked to be allowed time off, but Goto continued bullying him, he said.

The last time he had asked for leave, Goto made him stand in a hallway with a bucket, the spokesman said.