In Sapporo, a 52-year-old man named Toyoshi Wakayama, who was previously convicted for an accident involving a detached tire that struck a girl, has been arrested on charges of driving without a license while serving a probationary sentence. The arrest occurred after a police investigation confirmed reports that Wakayama had driven multiple times in Sapporo and Otaru without a valid driver's license between November 28 and December 25 of the previous year. Despite recognizing the seriousness of his actions, he admitted to the charges, stating that he knew it was wrong but drove anyway.

The police were informed of Wakayama's unlicensed driving and initiated an investigation that corroborated these claims, leading to his arrest. Last year, Wakayama was involved in a serious incident where an improperly modified vehicle lost a tire, resulting in a child being injured, for which he received a three-year prison sentence with a five-year probation period from the Sapporo District Court. The court deemed his negligence in failing to ensure proper maintenance of the vehicle as 'malicious' given the high duty of care expected.

The family of the injured child expressed shock and disbelief at Wakayama's actions, particularly since he had previously claimed he would no longer drive after the incident. They commented on the need for appropriate responses and punishments for people who disregard the law and the judicial system, reflecting the frustrations of victims' families in similar situations. This ongoing case not only highlights issues of road safety and responsible driving but also raises questions about the effectiveness of the punishment and the responsibility of individuals in adhering to legal commands.