News On Japan

Yomiuri Shimbun Cameraman Detained for Kicking Skateboarder

TOKYO - A Yomiuri Shimbun employee has been arrested on the spot for assaulting a man who was skateboarding.

According to the Tokyo Metropolitan Police Department, just before 11 p.m. on August 23, a man in his 30s who works as a cameraman at Yomiuri Shimbun's Tokyo headquarters rode his bicycle to the scene.

There, he picked a fight with three men who were skateboarding and kicked one of them in the leg.

Although he attempted to escape, he was arrested on the spot after punching another man who chased after him.

Subsequent investigations revealed the man’s selfish remark to the skateboarders.

Yomiuri Shimbun Employee (30s): ‘It's not fair that I'm working while others are playing.’

In response, some members of the public expressed criticism: ‘People should be free to use their time as they choose. It's wrong to take out frustration on others,’ one person said. Another commented, ‘Maybe his job isn't enjoyable, and seeing others have fun made him feel this way.’

The Tokyo Metropolitan Police Department stated that while skateboarding on busy roads can be a violation, it is not necessarily so on other roads.

However, some people voiced concerns about skateboarding in the streets: ‘The sound of the board can be quite loud. I hope they observe proper etiquette to avoid accidents,’ one said.

Skateboarders themselves expressed their frustrations: ‘There’s nowhere to skate in Tokyo,’ one said. ‘If I skateboard around my house, I get scolded, and it causes noise issues for the neighbors,’ another added, lamenting the lack of places where they can freely enjoy their hobby.

The man arrested at the scene was released on August 26.

Yomiuri Shimbun has stated, ‘We are withholding comment at this time as the facts are not yet fully confirmed.’

Source: FNN

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