Japanese officials and athlete suspended after alcohol‑impaired driving arrests

Saga University in Saga Prefecture suspended a 40‑year‑old male section chief for one month after he was arrested for riding a bicycle while under the influence, with breath‑alcohol levels about 2.4 times the legal limit. The incident occurred on July 15 in a small street in Saga City.

The Akita Northern Brex rugby team announced that a 29‑year‑old player of Japanese nationality, originally from Fiji, was caught for alcohol‑impaired driving on July 13. Following the arrest, the Akita Rugby Association terminated the player’s employment contract.