Kentaro's negligence kills one
19 Jul – On 16 July at around 1.15 pm, singer Hayami Kentaro struck a 78 year-old female, Sachiko Okubo, with his car as she was crossing a pedestrian walkway in Kawagoe City, Saitama. Sachiko's death was confirmed by a local hospital at approximately 12.05 am on the 17, following reports from Tokyo Hive website.
The Kawagoe City police department reported that the accident occurred as Hayami was making a right turn at a traffic light. Sachiko was walking along the pedestrian crossing when she was struck by Hayami's vehicle.
Hayami was on his way to work when the tragedy took place. He explained to the police that he was looking away from the intersection, as his attention was on the passenger seat. The singer is currently under suspicion of negligent driving resulting in injury and death.
Hayami was popular on NHK's children's program "Okaasan to Issho" as an Uta no Onii-san (a singing character), and he is well-known for his big hit song, "Dango 3 Kyoudai".
