Soccer Star Kaoru Mitoma Referred to Prosecutors Over Tokyo Car Crash, July 24

Kaoru Mitoma, a 29-year-old winger for Brighton and Hove Albion and Japan international, was referred to prosecutors on Thursday, July 23, on suspicion of negligent driving causing injury. According to the Metropolitan Police Department, Mitoma’s car collided with a cyclist on July 8 in Tokyo’s Itabashi Ward after he allegedly ran a red traffic light. The cyclist, a 48-year-old woman, suffered minor bruising. Mitoma was not arrested and cooperated voluntarily with police throughout the investigation.

What happened in the collision

On July 8, Mitoma was driving toward a training facility for rehabilitation in Itabashi Ward when his vehicle entered an intersection after ignoring a red traffic light. His car struck a woman riding a bicycle at an intersection using a pedestrian-vehicle separation signal system, where pedestrian and vehicle signals operate independently. The cyclist was medically examined and diagnosed with bruising. Mitoma himself was uninjured in the crash.

Mitoma’s account and the investigation

Mitoma told investigators he had mistakenly interpreted a pedestrian signal turning green while driving. The intersection uses a system where vehicle and pedestrian signals operate separately, which may have contributed to the confusion. His management company issued a statement saying Mitoma took the accident seriously and was cooperating fully with authorities. Police did not arrest him and instead conducted voluntary questioning as part of their investigation.

Next steps in the prosecution process

The Metropolitan Police Department referred the case to prosecutors with an opinion recommending appropriate punishment. Prosecutors will now review the evidence and determine whether to file formal charges or take other legal action. The outcome could affect Mitoma’s career and availability for Brighton and the Japanese national team.

Final Thoughts

Mitoma’s referral to prosecutors marks a significant development in the case, moving it from police investigation to the prosecution stage. The outcome will depend on prosecutors’ review of evidence and their assessment of appropriate punishment under Japanese traffic law.

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