Missing Boy Left In Japan Forest Found Alive

A seven-year-old boy who went missing after his parents left him in a Japanese forest "as punishment" has been found alive and unharmed.

A police spokesman said Yamato Tanooka was discovered by a soldier at a military base in northern Hokkaido island.

Manabu Takehara, a spokesman for the Self-Defense Forces, said the boy "looked in good health", adding that he was taken to hospital by helicopter for a medical check.

Military officials expressed admiration for the boy's perseverance.

The building where he was found was a long way from where he had disappeared and involved a rigorous uphill climb.

Yamato was dehydrated and had minor scratches on his arms and feet, but no serious health risks were found, according to a doctor who examined him.

Speaking outside the hospital, the boy's father apologised and thanked rescuers who took part in the search.

Takayuki Tanooka said: "My excessive act forced my son to have a painful time.

"I deeply apologise to people at his school, people in the rescue operation, and everybody for causing them trouble."

According to the police spokesman, the boy "walked through the mountains" until he found the army building, broadcaster NHK reported.

He also reportedly drank water and slept on mattresses spread on the floor.

The soldier who found him gave him two rice balls, which the 7-year-old ate ravenously.

He looked a bit worn out but was "genki," the military said, using a Japanese word describing healthy children.

Army personnel, emergency services and volunteers had been searching for the boy since Saturday.

His parents initially said they had lost him when they were out hiking to gather wild vegetables.

They subsequently admitted they made him get out of their car on a mountain road for misbehaving.

The boy was abandoned on the northern side of the road on a slope of Mount Komagatake, which rises to an altitude of 1,131 metres (3,710 feet).

He was reportedly without food.

Police have said they are considering filing charges against the boy's parents, according to Kyodo News.

The boy's safe return has been was welcomed in Japan, which has been riveted by the story.

The country has also undergone intense soul-searching about how it raises and disciplines its children.