The Oita District Court sentenced a 23-year-old man to eight years in prison Thursday for causing a fatal crash in the city of Oita in 2021, after the presiding judge overruled the previous negligent driving charge and upgraded it to dangerous driving.
According to the indictment, the crash occurred on the night of Feb. 9, 2021, when the then-19-year-old defendant’s car, traveling at 194 kph — over three times the legal speed limit of 60 kph — struck a vehicle turning right at an intersection.
The collision killed the turning driver, 50-year-old company employee Ken Koyanagi.
The case had been initially filed as negligent driving resulting in death, but public pressure, including a petition by the victim’s family, led prosecutors to seek a dangerous driving charge, which carries harsher penalties.
Prosecutors characterized the speed as “extremely reckless” and had sought a 12-year prison sentence.
They argued that driving at such speeds significantly increased the likelihood of the defendant being unable to brake or steer correctly, describing his motivation — reportedly to experience the sound and feel of the engine’s acceleration — as “selfish and egocentric.”
They also emphasized the strong desire for accountability expressed by the victim’s family.
Defense lawyers countered that the defendant had maintained a straight path along the road and contended that the incident did not meet the legal definition of reckless driving resulting in death.
In his final statement, the defendant apologized, saying, “I am filled with regret. I am truly sorry.”
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