KOCHI - Police in Kochi Prefecture have released footage of a group of teenagers riding motorcycles recklessly through Kochi City on January 1st, 2026, in a New Year's Day incident known as a "first sunrise motorcycle rampage," with 18 people aged between 15 and 19 arrested or referred to prosecutors for suspected violations of the Road Traffic Act.
The footage, released by Kochi Prefectural Police on October 19th, shows a large group of motorcycles revving their engines and producing deafening noise as they travel through city streets. More than 10 motorcycles can be seen spreading across two traffic lanes, with riders showing no sign of responding to warnings issued by a pursuing police patrol car.
According to police, the group used 15 vehicles to travel approximately 10 kilometers over a period of 15 minutes, repeatedly running red lights, weaving across the road and riding side by side in a formation that occupied multiple lanes.
The incident took place on New Year's Day, when groups of motorcycle riders traditionally gather for what is known in Japan as "first sunrise riding," a practice that can involve reckless driving and public disturbances.
Police suspect the teenagers violated the Road Traffic Act through their coordinated riding, which included ignoring traffic signals, zigzagging between lanes and spreading across the roadway.
By October 19th, investigators had referred 14 teenagers aged 15 to 19 to prosecutors on suspicion of violating the Road Traffic Act. Four others, including a 17-year-old high school student, were arrested in connection with the incident.
The release of the footage provides a detailed look at the group's driving behavior, including its failure to respond to police warnings during the 15-minute rampage.
Source: FNN
