Sixth University Student Arrested in Expo Mascot Goods Theft Case

Aug 16, 2025 | News On Japan

OSAKA - A university student in Tokyo has been arrested in connection with the theft of goods from the official store at the Expo site, bringing the total number of suspects in the case to six.

According to police, Akihiro Kono, 20, a resident of Tokyo’s Kita Ward, is accused of stealing nine items, including folding fans, from the store in June.

Five other university students have already been arrested over the incident. All six are rail enthusiasts, known as ‘tori-tetsu’, who are believed to have travelled to the Expo venue without paying train fares.

Kono admitted to stealing “about five fans” and also confessed to fare evasion. Police said around 50 items, including Myaku-Myaku mascot keychains, were found hidden in the ceiling of his home.

Investigators suspect the group engaged in large-scale shoplifting of Expo merchandise and are continuing their inquiry.

Source: YOMIURI

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