Getty Images
After going missing during a family outing in the woods, Japanese child Yamato Tanooka has been found safe almost 5km near from where his parents last saw him.
Local news station NHK reports that young Tanooka is ‘in relatively good health’ following the ordeal.
The 7-year-old was abandoned by his parents as punishment for throwing rocks at cars during their woodland sejour on Saturday, May 28.
His panic-stricken parents called emergency services when they returned to the area and could not find their child.
Initially fearing shame, the parents told crews they were foraging for wild food when their son wandered off although later admitting this was not the case.
A full-scale military search ensued, including nearby towns and villages.
Police found Yamato at a disused military base at 7:50 a.m. local time, after an extensive search across the island of Hokkaido, which is known to be inhabited by bears.
According to the Guardian, the treating doctor who assessed the 7-year-old at the scene said, ““He was incredibly calm considering he had been missing for seven days. He didn’t panic at all.”
Upon their reunion, Yamato’s father Takayuki Tanooka showed his remorse for what happened. “I told him I was sorry for what had happened.” He also expressed his relief that the reunion had a happy ending.
Takayuki’s son had sought shelter in a military hut since Saturday and was found, according to local police reports by a Self Defence Official on duty.
Related stories
Native ad body.
Native ad body.
Native ad body.
