Key Facts
• September 2024: Accident occurred on Kochi Eastern Expressway near Konan Yasu Interchange.
• A car crossed into the opposite lane, colliding head-on with a van.
• 1-year-old Koki Shino, seated in the back, was killed in the crash.
• Driver was allegedly changing shoes while driving, removing his seatbelt.
• Driver charged with negligent driving resulting in death and injury.
• Parents, Yuuya and Ayano Shino, held a press conference on October 1, 2024.
• They described the act as “ultimate distracted driving” and demanded stricter penalties.
• Over 5,000 signatures were collected in two days for legal reform efforts.
• October 3, 2024: Koki’s would-be 2nd birthday; parents vowed to continue advocacy.
• Signatures will be submitted to prosecutors and courts to push for legal changes.
Summary
In September 2024, a tragic accident on the Kochi Eastern Expressway claimed the life of 1-year-old Koki Shino when a car crossed into the opposite lane and collided with the van he was in. The driver, allegedly changing shoes while driving, has been charged with negligent driving resulting in death. Koki’s parents, Yuuya and Ayano Shino, held a press conference, condemning the act as “ultimate distracted driving” and calling for stricter penalties. On what would have been Koki’s 2nd birthday, the family continued their advocacy, collecting over 5,000 signatures in two days to push for legal reforms. The signatures will be submitted to authorities to address gaps in current laws and prevent future tragedies.
