Yukitomo and Mitsuko Hiraga do not anticipate the onset of spring with the same relish as most others. Each April, as cherry trees in full bloom welcome freshmen to colleges, the couple are reminded of their son who died soon after taking the first step toward his dream.
Their son, Takehiro, 20, died of acute alcohol poisoning at a party for the University of Chiba's orienteering club, which was held to recruit freshmen in April 1996 -- just 10 days after he attended the entrance ceremony for the school's education faculty.
"He was a child with a gentle heart," his father said. "He said he wanted to become a counselor for disabled children."