TOKYO (TR) – Tokyo Metropolitan Police have arrested five suspects, including one popular figure in the “drifting world,” for dangerous driving in the capital last year, reports Jiji Press (Mar. 3).
Brazilian national Yuji Marcelo Yoshikawa, 27, Takato Tsukiji, 28, and three others were arrested on suspicion of violating the Road Traffic Act for joint dangerous conduct.
Between 2:00 a.m. and 2:15 a.m. on December 27, the five men are suspected of driving five modified cars in a line, repeatedly swerving and engaging in other dangerous driving on a road at Oi Futo in Ota Ward.
During questioning, Yoshikawa and three others partially denied the charges. He said, “I drifted at the scene, but not with anyone else.” The fifth suspect admitted to the allegations.
According to Tokyo police, the five men are members of the drift team Nihon Majikiteru Rengo. The group is believed to have been active for over 10 years. Members drift on public roads and host drift competitions at race tracks.
At the time of the incident, they were drifting in front of an audience. Tsukiji was arrested on the day of the incident for violating the Road Traffic Act for hit-and-run and other offenses. His vehicle struck bystanders, with two suffering serious injuries, including broken legs. Afterward, he fled the scene.
Yoshikawa is a popular drifter. He posts videos of himself drifting on public roads and circuits on social media.
