Australian Tourist Falls From Bridge, Sues Hakodate for 400 Million Yen

Oct 02, 2026 | News On Japan

HOKKAIDO - An Australian tourist who suffered a spinal cord injury after falling from a bridge near a popular sightseeing area in Hakodate, Hokkaido, has filed a lawsuit against the city seeking 400 million yen in damages, claiming that the bridge's railing was dangerously low.

The accident occurred in May 2025 on Shichizai Bridge, a popular photography spot near the Kanemori Red Brick Warehouses, one of Hakodate's best-known tourist attractions.

The 66-year-old Australian man reportedly slipped and fell from the bridge, suffering a spinal cord injury that left him with paralysis in both arms and legs.

The man filed a lawsuit against Hakodate City on October 1, seeking 400 million yen in compensation for the injuries he sustained.

The lawsuit focuses on the height of the bridge's railing, which measures approximately 56 centimeters, substantially lower than the 110-centimeter standard established by the national government.

The plaintiff argues that the city's management and maintenance of the bridge were inadequate, contributing to the accident and his severe injuries.

Hakodate City declined to comment on the lawsuit, saying it had not yet received the legal complaint.

Source: FNN

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Australian Tourist Falls From Bridge, Sues Hakodate for 400 Million Yen

An Australian tourist who suffered a spinal cord injury after falling from a bridge near a popular sightseeing area in Hakodate, Hokkaido, has filed a lawsuit against the city seeking 400 million yen in damages, claiming that the bridge's railing was dangerously low.

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