Yamato Takoona: The Missing Japanese Boys’ Journey

According to Reuters, A seven-year-old Yamato Tanooka was abandoned by his parents who went missing in the mountains of Japan's north island of Hokkaido on Saturday and found six days later. He's father took a press conference and deliver an emotional apology on how and why he do that to his son.

His parents kicked him out of their car on a mountain road as punishment for misbehaving by throwing stones. Police said he was found at an empty Japanese air force building in Shikabe Town in Hokkaido Friday morning. "My excessive act forced my son to have a painful time," said Takayuki Tanooka fighting back tears. "I deeply apologize to people at his school, people in the rescue operation, and everybody for causing them trouble," he said while thanking those who searched for him.

"The first thing I said to my son was, 'I'm very sorry to have caused you to face this suffering because of me,'" said the father, adding that his son nodded in return. "We have raised him with love all along. I really didn't think it would come to that. We went too far." "We well, we loved him before, but I hope to give him even more attention now."

Earlier, it was revealed the boy was found inside a military base around five kilometers from where he first went missing. It's thought he was found huddled by mattresses and had been drinking from a tap nearby. He was approached by a soldier who said to the boy "You wouldn't be Yamoto, would you?" The boy replied "I am." The seven-year-old was said to be incredibly hungry when found, given rice balls and bread to eat.

The military used the word "genki" to describe him a Japanese term for healthy children. His return has been welcomed in Japan after the nation was captivated by the search for the boy. Many have praised his resourcefulness after he was found at a nearby military base.