KARUNA SHINSHO, ASIA TONIGHT: Japan says it's content with the U.S. Navy taking the blame for the sinking of a Japanese vessel by a U.S. sub in February. Submarine commander Scott Waddle was found guilty of dereliction of duties and negligence by a U.S. naval hearing. But while Tokyo appears satisfied, the families of those who died feel otherwise. Peter Hadfield reports.</s>PETER HADFIELD, CNN CORRESPONDENT (voice-over): There was none of the anger that has sometimes been shown over this incident, but there was disappointment in Japan, a feeling that justice hasn't been properly served. In the town that was the home base of the fishing vessel Ehime Maru, the mayor gave a news conference soon after the sentence was announced. "I can't help but feel it was too light," said Hirohisa Ishibashi. The family and friends of the nine people who died in the sinking had been hoping for a full court-martial, not the admiral's mast that Waddle was subjected to, and they wanted to see a much harsher punishment. But the result was not entirely unexpected.</s>TOSHIO KAMADO, FATHER OF VICTIM (through translator): If all testimony of the hearing was to be clearly shown in a court-martial, then we could pursue the real cause of the accident and prevent its recurrence. That is what we were hoping for. We really wanted a court- martial.</s>HADFIELD: The son of one of the men who died in the sinking told CNN, "Friends look after their friends." Translation - the U.S. Navy takes care of its own. He said he had a feeling of resignation about what he saw as a light punishment. What was more important to him now was the recovery of the Ehime Maru and the bodies that may still be inside. Commander Waddle has indicated that he may come to Japan to offer a personal apology to the bereaved families. As someone who grew up on a military base in Japan, he knows how important that apology would be. Peter Hadfield, CNN, Tokyo.
Japan Says It's Content With Outcome Of Ehime Maru Hearing