In January, a Cabinet Office vehicle entered a red traffic signal at an intersection in Akasaka, Tokyo, leading to a tragic accident that killed one person and injured six others. The police have launched an investigation into the driver, a 69-year-old man, and conducted a search at the vehicle management company he works for, Daishintou, on suspicion of violation of road traffic laws due to negligent driving. They targeted the company's operations in Chuo-ku, Tokyo, seizing employee attendance records and logs related to the drivers and vehicles. Newly surfaced information indicates that the driver stated he has no memory of the events before and after the accident. Furthermore, records show that his overtime hours exceeded an average of 50 hours per month in the months leading up to the incident.

The investigations will also include an assessment of the health management and safety training for drivers provided by Daishintou, a company established in 1962 that manages approximately 4100 vehicles for various organizations including government agencies and local municipalities. In response to the incident, the company emphasized its commitment to fully cooperate in uncovering the truth and reviewing its safety education and management systems to prevent future occurrences. The firm mentioned its current practices, including health checks and alcohol testing for drivers before shifts, to underline their efforts in implementing safe driving protocols.

The accident occurred on the night of January 22 when the Cabinet Office vehicle collided with oncoming traffic after running a red light, resulting in the death of a taxi passenger and severe injuries to two male Cabinet Office officials who were passengers in the vehicle. The analysis of the vehicle's data indicated that it had not applied brakes in the 30 seconds leading up to the crash and was traveling at approximately 130 kilometers per hour at the time of collision, raising serious questions about the operational safety and accountability within the company managing the vehicle. Police plan to interview the injured officials and the driver to gather more context about the moments leading up to this shocking incident.