Police in Kyoto have arrested a 27-year-old man accused of sending bomb threats targeting the headquarters of gaming giant Nintendo.
According to authorities, the incident began on March 16 when an envelope containing a threatening letter arrived at Nintendo’s headquarters located in Kyoto’s Minami Ward.
The letter allegedly warned that the sender intended to “blow up” the company and claimed multiple bombs had already been planted inside Nintendo’s premises.
The message also reportedly included taunting statements claiming the company would be unable to stop the plan.
Following the threat, Nintendo immediately contacted police, prompting officers to conduct an extensive search around the headquarters building and surrounding areas.
However, investigators said no explosives or suspicious objects were discovered during the operation.
After weeks of investigation, the Kyoto Prefectural Police tracked down and arrested an unemployed man from Hekinan City in Aichi Prefecture on Tuesday.
Authorities said the suspect has admitted to sending the threatening letter.
Police are still investigating the exact motive behind the incident, although officials currently believe the suspect did not actually possess or plant any explosive devices.
The man is reportedly being investigated under Japan’s offence of forced obstruction of business, a broad legal category covering threats, harassment and actions that disrupt business operations.
The case is expected to be treated seriously by prosecutors due to Japan’s heightened sensitivity towards violent threats, particularly in Kyoto following the deadly Kyoto Animation arson attack that shocked the nation.
