Sri Lankan Man, 31, Kept Driving After License Revoked; Arrested in Kakegawa After Tip From Acquaintance
This article organizes publicly available information into a single account. Where it describes an arrest or an ongoing investigation, that reflects only one stage of criminal procedure and does not mean guilt has been established (the presumption of innocence applies). We will update this article as new information becomes available, including the outcome of prosecution, non-prosecution, or trial. This article is not intended to unfairly disparage any individual, group, nationality, ethnicity, or belief, and aims to provide objective, fact-based information.
Shizuoka Prefectural Police announced by August 13, 2026 that they had arrested a Sri Lankan national, 31, on suspicion of violating the Road Traffic Act by driving without a valid license. According to Shizuoka Asahi TV, he is accused of driving a light commercial vehicle he owned in Kakegawa City around 5 p.m. on August 12, 2026, without a valid license. He has reportedly admitted to the allegations.
The suspect's license had already been revoked, but he allegedly continued driving afterward. The case came to light when police, responding to a tip from one of the suspect's acquaintances, questioned him.
Current status: The circumstances that led to the license revocation and whether the case will be referred for prosecution remain unclear as of this writing. This article will be updated as further details emerge.
Editorial Perspective
No decision on indictment has been made at this stage, so this article reflects information from the investigative phase. An arrest is only one step in criminal procedure and does not establish guilt (the presumption of innocence). According to National Police Agency and Ministry of Justice statistics, the number of Penal Code cases involving foreign nationals visiting Japan has risen for two consecutive years since 2023, but remains below its mid-2000s peak (related article). A single case does not necessarily reflect the broader statistical trend; further developments are worth watching.