Brighton's Mitoma faces dangerous driving probe after Tokyo cyclist hospitalised

Kaoru Mitoma is facing a police investigation for possible dangerous driving after his car struck a cyclist at a red light intersection in Tokyo on Wednesday morning. The woman, believed to be in her 40s, was hospitalised for further tests following the collision, though she was initially diagnosed with bruises. Mitoma himself was uninjured.

According to reports, the Brighton forward drove through a Tokyo intersection on a red light, having mistaken a green pedestrian signal for a traffic signal. After the collision, he remained at the scene, checked on the woman’s condition, and followed police instructions. Japanese broadcaster NHK subsequently reported that the Tokyo Metropolitan Police Department has opened an investigation into the incident.

A statement from Mitoma’s management company confirmed the player’s cooperation with authorities. “We sincerely apologise for the great inconvenience and worry caused to the injured party and all those involved in the accident,” it read. “Mr. Mitoma himself takes this accident very seriously and is responding with feelings of sympathy and apology to the injured party. We will fully cooperate with the investigation by the relevant authorities.”

The statement added that the company would “strive to thoroughly instill safe driving awareness and strengthen compliance education to prevent recurrence.”

The 29-year-old winger joined Brighton in 2022 from Kawasaki Frontale and made an immediate impact at the AMEX Stadium, scoring ten goals in his debut season. After a quieter second campaign, he netted 11 times in 2024/25, but injuries limited him to just three goals last season and ultimately cost him a place in Japan’s squad for the World Cup. The Samurai Blue reached the round of 32 before being eliminated by Brazil.

Off the pitch, Brighton have been active in the transfer market ahead of the new season, completing signings of Zadok Yohanna and Pascal Struijk, while defender Jan Paul van Hecke has departed for Tottenham Hotspur. Manager Fabian Hurzeler signed a new contract in the closing weeks of last season as the club, who finished eighth in the Premier League, prepare for a Conference League playoff campaign.