Sightings of Japan’s Most-Wanted Fugitive Surge in Kanto Region

Have you seen Yoichi Hatta? Police are receiving an overwhelming number of tips in their search for Japan's most-wanted fugitive. Since a fatal hit-and-run in Beppu in 2022, over 13,978 tips have been reported, with a significant concentration in the Kanto region. Oita Prefectural Police revealed on Monday that nearly 4,950 of those tips originated from the Kanto area, including 73 possible sightings in September alone – a notable increase from 50 sightings in August.

As police continue to prioritize Hatta as a top wanted suspect, they have extended a special reward for information leading to his arrest through October 2027. Authorities believe the extended reward period may have reignited public interest, contributing to the surge in reports observed in September.

Now 30 years old, Hatta is sought in connection with a June 2022 incident in Beppu. Police allege that the 175-centimeter-tall suspect deliberately drove a car into two motorcycles ridden by two university students, resulting in the death of 19-year-old Ikuto Fukutani and severe injury to the other rider. The suspect reportedly fled the scene on foot, running barefoot for approximately 2 kilometers before disappearing.

Investigations suggest Hatta was traveling at nearly 100 kilometers per hour at the time of the crash. Prior to the incident, Hatta and Fukutani had been embroiled in a dispute at a nearby commercial facility. Since the crash, police have received over 4,950 tips from the public, with many people believing they spotted someone resembling Hatta across Japan. Despite the sheer volume of reports, Hatta remains at large, evading capture by over four years following the incident.

Japan's national list of important wanted persons, Hatta is eligible for a public investigative reward of up to ¥3 million for information aiding in his location. The victim's family has offered an additional private reward of up to ¥5 million, totaling up to ¥8 million. Police urge the public to come forward with any information that could lead to Hatta's apprehension.