Kochi: 7 students charged for juvenile mischief at Power Spot’s Boulder

KOCHI – A male university student in his 20s was charged in October with altering a huge boulder, known for its instability at the top of a cliff, so that it no longer sways when pushed.

The boulder, named Goto Goto Ishi, is located within the grounds of the Niida Shrine in the north of Kochi city. This stone, which is about 1.5 to 2 meters high and weighs several tons, has become a popular spot for students taking exams, and is admired for its resilience: it seems about to fall, but never does that.

However, in November 2022, it was discovered that the stone had lost its influence. Local residents, who had long managed the stone with great care – including replacing the sacred rope every year – were furious. The shrine filed a formal complaint with the police in June last year, alleging damage to property rendering the stone unusable for its purpose.

The Kochi court has already fined six other university students in their 20s ¥200,000 each. According to the Kochi District Public Prosecution Service, the latest prosecution marks the conclusion of all investigations related to the rock incident.

According to sources, the seven students traveled from Tokyo in a rental car, initially trying to push the boulder off the cliff by hand but gave up. They later bought tools and tried again, but were unable to get the boulder to fall.