A Japanese tourist boat carrying 26 people is believed to have sunk in rough waters - with no sign of survivors hours later, the coastguard said.
The 19-ton Kazu1 was cruising off the scenic Kashuni Falls, near the tip of the Shiretoko Peninsula in the northern island Hokkaido, when it sent a distress call on Saturday afternoon.
Six patrol boats and four aircraft have been launched amid a major search after the report came in around 1.15pm local time (5.05am UK).
The vessel - operated by two crewmen - warned its bow had flooded and the boat was tilting at a 30-degree angle.
Of those on board two were children - with all said to be wearing life jackets.
Fishing boats had been returning to port due to bad weather at the time.
A local fisheries cooperative said high waves and strong winds were reported in the area around midday.
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Public broadcaster NHK said there was a warning for high waves up to 9ft high.
The boat left the Utoro port around 10am and was due back by 1pm, it added.
The boat can accommodate as many as 65 people, according to the website of its operator Shiretoko Pleasure Cruise.
It adds that tours in the area usually take around three hours.
Waves had been high and fishing boats in the area had returned to the port by mid-morning.
The peninsula is home to many rare species of animals and plants, with drift ice often being spotted.
It was designated as a World Natural Heritage site in 2005.
