Transport Company Investigated After Deadly Tunnel Accident in Mie Prefecture

Tsu, Mie Prefecture – Police are investigating a transport company based in Hiroshima Prefecture following a tragic accident in Mie Prefecture that resulted in six deaths. The incident occurred on Saturday, March 22, 2026, a day after the arrest of Mitsuyo Mizutani, 54, the truck driver employed by the company, on suspicion of negligent driving causing death.

Details of the Accident

The accident took place around 2:20 a.m. On Saturday in the outbound lane of the Shin-Meishin Expressway’s Nonobori tunnel in Kameyama, Mie Prefecture. Mizutani’s truck collided with a vehicle ahead, subsequently involving two additional cars. A fire erupted, and the bodies of six individuals, including three children, were discovered in the burned vehicles. Authorities are currently working to identify the victims and determine the precise cause of the accident. The Japan Times reported on the ongoing investigation.

Investigation into Company Practices

The Mie Prefectural Police department is focusing its investigation on the transport company’s management systems, specifically examining whether adequate measures were in place to ensure the health and safety of its employees. This includes reviewing driver schedules, vehicle maintenance records, and overall operational procedures.

Application for Police Certificates

Individuals requiring a police certificate for travel abroad from Mie Prefecture should be aware of the application process. According to the Mie Prefectural Police website, applications must be submitted in person at the Identification Division, Criminal Investigation Department, located on the 4th Floor of the Mie Prefectural Police Headquarters Building (1-100 Sakae-machi, Tsu-city, Mie, 059-222-0110). Applicants with resident registration from other prefectures must apply at the police headquarters in their residing area.

Required Documents

• Passport (updated if name has changed)
• Government-issued identification with name and address (e.g., Residence Card, Zairyu Card)
• Mie-ken shunyu-shoshi revenue stamp (500 yen application fee)
• Documents certifying travel plans (e.g., visa application, embassy documentation)

The processing time for a police certificate is approximately two weeks, but may be longer during peak periods such as year-end, New Year, or Golden Week. Office hours are Monday-Friday, 8:30 a.m. To 4:00 p.m., excluding national holidays.

Prefectural Police System in Japan

Prefectural police are the primary law enforcement agencies at the prefecture level in Japan. As outlined in Wikipedia, these agencies are responsible for policing and public security within their respective prefectures. While considered municipal police in principle, they operate under the oversight of the National Police Agency.