Key Facts
• In 2022, a 74-year-old man in Sapporo hit and killed a 13-year-old girl with his car.
• The man was arrested and prosecuted but was acquitted in January 2024 by the Sapporo District Court.
• The court ruled the possibility of suicide could not be ruled out, citing security camera footage showing the girl jumping in front of the car.
• The man claims wrongful arrest and prosecution caused him mental distress.
• He is seeking 3.3 million yen in damages from the national government and Hokkaido.
• On September 16, 2025, the government and Hokkaido requested the dismissal of the claim during the first hearing.
Summary
A 74-year-old man from Sapporo is suing the Japanese government and Hokkaido for 3.3 million yen in damages, claiming mental distress from wrongful arrest and prosecution. The case stems from a 2022 incident where the man hit and killed a 13-year-old girl with his car. In January 2024, the Sapporo District Court acquitted him, citing evidence that suggested the girl may have committed suicide by jumping in front of the vehicle. During the initial hearing on September 16, 2025, the government and Hokkaido requested the court dismiss the claim.
