70-Year-Old Man Dies After Being Hit by Car While Crossing Road in Oita

KUSU, OITA | October 20, 2026 A 70-year-old man died after being struck by a small passenger car while crossing a prefectural road in Kusu Town, Oita Prefecture, on Monday night, October 19. The accident occurred shortly after 9:00 p.m. on the Kusu-Yamakuni Prefectural Road in Yokkaichi, Kusu Town. The victim, identified as Masashi Otsuka, a 70-year-old self-employed local resident, suffered severe head injuries. He was transported to a hospital in Hita City, where he was pronounced dead approximately two hours later. The vehicle was driven by a 53-year-old restaurant owner from Kusu Town, who was not injured in the accident. According to police, the accident occurred on a nearly straight road with one lane in each direction. There was no pedestrian crossing at the location. Police are investigating the circumstances and cause of the accident. Road Safety Reminder Drivers and pedestrians are encouraged to exercise extra caution when travelling at night, particularly on roads without designated pedestrian crossings. Source: OBS Oita Broadcasting News, October 20, 2026.