​Brighton winger Kaoru Mitoma reportedly collided with a cyclist while driving in Tokyo, according to a statement from his management company. The firm said Mitoma was “feeling apologetic” after the incident, which occurred at around 8:45 a.m. on Wednesday. The cyclist sustained bruising and was taken for a medical examination, while Mitoma was unhurt. The management team explained that the accident resulted from the player’s “failure to observe the road ahead” and indicated that Mitoma immediately checked on the other party and complied with instructions from the police who arrived at the scene.
In their statement, Mitoma’s representatives expressed “our deepest and most sincere apologies to the person who sustained injuries in the accident, as well as to all those affected.” They added that Mitoma “takes this accident very seriously” and is feeling sympathetic and apologetic toward the person involved.
Local police declined to comment when contacted by AFP. Reports from Kyodo News and other outlets suggested that Mitoma was suspected of running a red light at the time of the incident.
The incident comes amid conversations about Mitoma’s absence from Japan’s World Cup squad. The 29-year-old had been left out after injuring his hamstring in Brighton’s 3-0 victory over Wolves on May 9, which prevented him from being part of the national team for the tournament in North America. Mitoma has established himself as one of Japan’s standout players, notably scoring the decisive goal in their 1-0 friendly win over England at Wembley in March. His absence from the World Cup squad marked a disappointing chapter for a player who has been central to Japan’s efforts on the international stage.
As the World Cup progressed, Japan eventually faced Brazil in the knockout stages, where they were eliminated with a 2-1 defeat in North America. The incident in Tokyo adds another layer to Mitoma’s year, casting a spotlight on his conduct off the pitch as he continues to recover from injury and navigate the responsibilities that come with his rising profile in European football.
This update underscores the need for careful handling of road safety events involving high-profile athletes, while recognizing Mitoma’s contributions to his club and country. The situation remains under scrutiny as more details may emerge from police investigations and official statements.