Japan investigates viral video showing violent high school assault as bullying and online backlash grow

TOCHIGI, JAPAN: Authorities in Japan have launched an investigation after a video circulating widely on social media appeared to show a violent assault between students at a public high school in Tochigi Prefecture.

The footage, which lasts about nine seconds, was shared on X on 4 January, shows one male student repeatedly hitting and kicking another inside what appears to be a school restroom, while several other male students look on.

Voices can be heard at the start of the clip, suggesting encouragement as the assault begins, with surrounding students cheering and laughing during the incident.

According to descriptions circulating online, one student raised a broom and shouted a slogan resembling the start of a martial arts match, before another student entered amid cheers and began the assault.

The victim, who faced his attacker, appeared to offer little resistance as he was struck with fists and feet, while the sounds of the blows were clearly audible in the recording.

Video circulation triggers official review

The Tochigi Prefectural Board of Education said the video is believed to have been recorded on school grounds in December last year.

Officials stated that they became aware of the footage after it spread rapidly on social media platforms and online communities.

Because the video was shared without mosaic processing, the alleged attacker’s face was visible, leading to the rapid spread of personal information online.

Claims identifying the student, including his name, school, academic major, and everyday photographs, circulated widely on social networking services and message boards.

This prompted concern among some commentators about the secondary harm caused by doxxing, particularly given that those involved are minors.

Online reactions have been sharply divided, with many condemning the violence and others criticising the disclosure of personal details.

Comments included statements such as, “It’s outrageous that such blatant school violence footage was filmed and posted on SNS,” and, “It’s pitiful to see the victim being hit without resistance.”

Others argued that “the students who incited and cheered should also be punished,” while some stressed that “it is not right to spread the personal information of a minor student.”

School and police response

The Tochigi Prefectural Board of Education confirmed that police have begun interviewing students connected to the incident.

Authorities are working to establish the circumstances surrounding the filming, the assault itself, and the involvement of bystanders.

“We are in the process of confirming the facts,” the board’s high school education division said, adding that it is coordinating its response closely with police.

Hundreds of protest calls and inquiries were reported to have flooded the school and relevant education authorities following the video’s circulation.

Officials have not disclosed the name of the school or the identities of the students involved, citing privacy concerns and the ongoing investigation.

Police have also refrained from commenting on whether criminal charges may be considered, pending the outcome of their inquiries.

Governor orders swift action

Tomichi Fukuda, the governor of Tochigi Prefecture, addressed the incident during a press conference, confirming that he had instructed education authorities to respond swiftly.

When asked whether he had seen the video, Governor Fukuda said he was “at a loss for words” upon viewing the footage.

He added that the incident reinforced the need to eradicate bullying, stating that “bullying against weaker students must stop.”

According to the governor, educational authorities have been directed to investigate the facts thoroughly and make a public announcement once findings are confirmed.

The prefectural government has emphasised that preventing similar incidents requires cooperation between schools, families, and local authorities.

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