Family Furious at Defendant’s Outrageous Actions After Fatal Crash Claims One-Year-Old Son
Severely damaged car of the Kamino family (provided by the bereaved family)“I was shocked enough by the fact that he was trying to change his shoes while driving but that he had also been drinking beer I just can’t comprehend it at all.”
On November 12, Yuusai Kamino (34) spoke with anger during a press conference at the Kochi Prefectural Office. In September 2024, a traffic accident took the life of his one-year-old son, Koei, in a head-on collision, while Yuusai himself suffered serious injuries.
That day, at 3:45 p.m. at the Kochi District Court (Judge Yasushi Inada presiding), the first trial was held for Toshihiro Takesaki (61), unemployed, of Kochi City, who is charged with violations under the Act on Punishment of Acts Inflicting Death or Injury by Driving a Motor Vehicle (negligent driving resulting in death or injury).
The accident occurred around 12:50 p.m. on September 21, 2024, on the Kochi East Expressway in Konan City, Kochi Prefecture. Takesaki, who had gone out for golf in his Toyota Crown Crossover, collided head-on with the Kamino family’s car on the way back to a restaurant. The collision killed one-year-old Koei and left his parents seriously injured. It is reported that Takesaki had been attempting to change his shoes inside the vehicle at the time.
At the first trial, defendant Takesaki stated:
“My car did indeed veer into the oncoming lane. However, I have no memory from shortly before the accident until that evening.”
However, the prosecution pointed out, based on numerous pieces of evidence, that Takesaki had over-relied on his car’s driving assistance system, attempted to change his shoes while driving, and mismanaged the steering.
I took a sip or two and then threw it away
But the defendant’s absurd statements, which shocked the bereaved family, did not end there.
During the court session that day, it was revealed that Takesaki had loaded a cooler box into his car and put alcohol inside, which he brought to the golf course.
It was also revealed that he had stated:
“I drank some beer at the golf course, but it had gone warm, so I took a sip or two and threw it away.”
It is unclear whether the police tested him for alcohol immediately after the accident, and at this point, there is no evidence showing his blood alcohol level. Since the accident occurred in broad daylight, it raises questions as to why the possibility of drunk driving was not considered. In any case, the act of bringing alcohol to drink at the golf course while driving there himself is completely unacceptable.
Masato Takahashi, the victims’ support lawyer who attended the Kamino family’s press conference, pointedly criticized:
“In today’s trial, the defendant admitted to drinking and driving. Even if it was just a sip or two, it still constitutes drunk driving. Moreover, it’s unlikely it was limited to just a sip or two—he probably drank more. We do not trust his words.”
Yuusai Kamino continued:
“He drove while distracted, he drove under the influence—honestly, I think he’s an outrageous perpetrator. To speak frankly and honestly about my feelings right now: I am filled with anger and frustration that someone like him took my son’s life, and with regret at not being able to protect my son.”
He has never come to apologize even once
The late Kohei had just celebrated his first birthday. On the family trip to Kochi, he brought along the small sneakers he had received as a birthday gift from his grandmother. However, the shoes were never worn and were placed in his coffin, still brand new.
His mother, Ayano, spoke through tears at times:
“I faced Takesaki for the first time at the initial trial, and honestly, I was disappointed. Changing shoes while driving, putting beer in a cooler box I really can’t believe it.
To think that such reckless driving took my precious child from me, and that even now, over a year later, the defendant has never come to apologize. After the accident, he continued his normal life and seemed relaxed. That’s why, in the criminal trial, I believe we must thoroughly pursue the truth and achieve a result we can accept.”
The second trial will be held on February 4, 2026, at the Kochi District Court. Questions will include why he attempted to change shoes in the car, whether he realized it was a dangerous act, and whether drinking at the golf course had become habitual.
The examination of defendant Takesaki is attracting significant attention.
Interview and text： Mika Yanagihara (nonfiction writer) PHOTO： Courtesy of the bereaved family