The family of a woman who drowned in 2001 while on vacation in Thailand is seeking 142 million yen from JTB World Vacations Inc. for not giving her enough information about the risk of drowning.
Freelance journalist Kumiko Iwashita, 41, drowned while swimming with her husband in shallow water off Phuket Island in September 2001 during a trip arranged by the affiliate of travel agent JTB Corp.
The family filed the petition with the Tokyo District Court.
While Iwashita's death followed several other drownings off Phuket beaches, Tokyo-based JTB World Vacations Inc. did not print any specific warning in its pamphlet, other than mentioning that unsuitable swimming conditions would increase during that season, the petition says.
Thai police said at the time that Iwashita was swept away by high waves. She was rescued soon after but died before reaching a hospital.
JTB's public relations office said the company will deal with the suit after it receives the petition.
Iwashita, a former magazine editor, wrote books on such topics as stalking and women enjoying single life.