Brighton & Hove Albion winger Kaoru Mitoma is facing a police investigation in Japan after a car accident in Tokyo on Wednesday morning left a female cyclist hospitalised. The incident, which occurred at an intersection in the capital, has prompted the Tokyo Metropolitan Police Department to examine possible dangerous driving charges.
Details of the Incident
According to Japanese outlet NHK, Mitoma, 29, drove through a red light after mistaking a green pedestrian signal for a traffic light. The collision knocked a woman believed to be in her 40s off her bicycle. She was subsequently taken to a medical institution for tests and diagnosed with bruises. Mitoma himself was uninjured.
Following the crash, Mitoma checked on the woman's condition and remained at the scene to follow police instructions. His management company issued a statement expressing sincere apologies and confirming full cooperation with the investigation.
Club and Management Response
In a statement, Mitoma's management said: “We sincerely apologise for the great inconvenience and worry caused to the injured party and all those involved in the accident. Mr. Mitoma himself takes this accident very seriously and is responding with feelings of sympathy and apology to the injured party. The injured party has been examined at a medical institution and diagnosed with bruises, and Mr. Mitoma was not injured. We will inform you again if any further information becomes available.”
The statement added: “We take this matter very seriously and will fully cooperate with the investigation by the relevant authorities. We will also strive to thoroughly instill safe driving awareness and strengthen compliance education to prevent recurrence. Once again, we offer our deepest apologies to the victim, their family, and all those involved.”
Mitoma's Career and Recent Setbacks
Mitoma joined Brighton in 2022 from Japanese side Kawasaki Frontale. He made an immediate impact, scoring ten goals in his debut Premier League season. His second campaign was quieter, but he rebounded with 11 goals in the 2024/25 season. However, injuries plagued him last term, limiting him to just three goals and costing him a place in Japan's squad for the 2026 World Cup, where the Samurai Blue reached the round of 32 before losing to Brazil.
Brighton's Outlook
Mitoma will now focus on Brighton's upcoming campaign. The Seagulls finished eighth in the Premier League last season, securing a spot in the Conference League playoffs. Manager Fabian Hurzeler signed a new contract late in the campaign and aims for further improvement. Brighton has been active in the transfer market, securing big-money deals for Zadok Yohanna and Pascal Struijk, while defender Jan Paul van Hecke completed a move to Tottenham Hotspur.
