On February 25 at around 12:50 AM, police were alerted to the discovery of a man lying on the road at the Jōban Expressway's upward lane. Upon their arrival, they found him unresponsive, and he was pronounced dead on the scene.
A truck driver nearby reported hitting "something" and was cooperating with authorities, who are investigating the circumstances surrounding the incident. Notably, the location of the man's body was approximately 7.8 km away from the Yatabe East Parking Area, and investigators have yet to locate the vehicle he was believed to be associated with.
The police quickly moved to secure the area, leading to the closure of the section of the Jōban Expressway between the Yatabe Interchange and the Yawara Interchange for investigative purposes. Fortunately, the road was reopened by 8:50 AM.
Meanwhile, local reports highlighted the newly launched mobile sales service by Kasumi, headquartered at the Food Square Kasumi Hokota store. This service aims to assist residents, especially those living in areas with weak public transport systems. The mobile truck, equipped with refrigeration and freezer units, is set to serve nine to ten locations around Kasumi from Monday to Friday.
During the kickoff ceremony for this service, Mayor Shuuya Suzuki expressed gratitude, stating, "Public transport is insufficient here, and this will help fill the gap for shopping options." Kasumi's executive officer, Satomi Ikami, encouraged the community to take advantage of this convenience and enjoy shopping near their homes.
The mobile service will offer approximately 650 products, including bento boxes, prepared dishes, meat, fish, and vegetables, with plans to adapt offerings based on customer requests. Customers can pay using cash or credit cards, making it accessible to more people.
This innovative approach to mobile shopping highlights Ibaraki Prefecture's commitment to serving its residents' needs and improving community welfare—particularly as public transport remains limited. The service demonstrates responsiveness to local demands and aims to create added accessibility for shopping.
Overall, both occurrences—a fatal incident on the Jōban Expressway and the launch of the mobile sales by Kasumi—reflect the diverse events shaping Ibaraki Prefecture. Efforts to address community needs through innovative services, coupled with the need for vigilance on road safety, encapsulate the local realities residents face.
Authorities continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding the man's death, seeking to clarify the details leading to this tragedy. Meanwhile, residents are encouraged to utilize and support new local services aimed at enhancing community life.