A neurosurgeon at Akō City Hospital in Hyōgo Prefecture, Hiroki Matsui, was sentenced to one year in prison with a three-year probation for negligent injury after an unfortunate incident during surgery. On January 2020, Matsui operated on an 81-year-old female patient’s lumbar vertebra. Despite the challenges presented by excessive bleeding that obstructed visibility, he carelessly activated a medical drill, which ultimately severed a nerve and resulted in permanent paralysis of her lower limbs. The Kobe District Court criticized Matsui's actions, indicating the gravity of the situation stating that it was far beyond a case justifying a mere fine.