Gold Smugglers Exchange Coins in Kansai Airport Toilet

May 22, 2026 | News On Japan

OSAKA - Three men, including a company executive, are suspected of smuggling gold from Hong Kong into Japan dozens of times last year to avoid paying consumption tax and other charges, with investigators believing the precious metal was handed over inside a toilet at Kansai International Airport.

Susumu Hamano, a 52-year-old company executive, and two others were referred to prosecutors on May 21st on suspicion of smuggling about 4 kilograms of gold worth approximately 87 million yen into Japan by plane from Hong Kong last December, thereby evading about 8.7 million yen in consumption tax and other payments.

Police investigations have since found that Hamano and the other suspects may have smuggled gold into Japan dozens of times during the year.

At the time, a toilet in the customs-controlled area of Kansai International Airport could be used both by arriving passengers and by people visiting the area to declare exports, and investigators believe the gold was exchanged there.

Police suspect the group bought gold in locations such as Hong Kong, where Japan's consumption tax does not apply, before smuggling it into Japan and selling it for the purpose of profiting from the 10% consumption tax margin.

Source: YOMIURI

Flood Damage Cripples Chiba Transport

Severe disruption continued across Chiba Prefecture after the holiday period, with rail closures forcing some commuters into three-hour journeys while more than 2,700 vehicles remained immobilized by flooding caused by last week's torrential rain.

Obon Return Rush Jams Stations, Airports and Expressways

Train stations, airports and expressways were crowded on August 16 as travelers returned from vacations and hometown visits on the final day of the Obon holiday.

Missing British Girl, 12, Found Safe After Staying at Internet Cafe

A 12-year-old British girl who disappeared while visiting Japan with her family was found safe in Yokohama on Saturday night, about 59 hours after leaving their private lodging in Tokyo, with police saying there was no indication that she had been involved in a crime.

Floodwaters Strand 1,200 Cars in Chiba

More than 1,200 vehicles are believed to have been left stranded on roads across Chiba Prefecture after torrential rain caused widespread flooding, with authorities confirming eight deaths and investigating a drainage pump failure at an underpass where a man died.

Aso Volcano Eruption Alert Level Raised to 3 in Kumamoto

Japan's weather agency raised the volcanic alert level for Mount Aso in Kumamoto Prefecture from Level 2 to Level 3 on August 14 after volcanic tremors strengthened and gas emissions increased sharply, warning people to stay away from areas within about 2 kilometers of the Nakadake No. 1 crater.

MEDIA CHANNELS

MORE Travel NEWS

Nagoya Subway to Launch Credit Card Gates at All 87 Stations

Nagoya's municipal subway will introduce a contactless credit card payment service at all 87 stations from September 3, allowing passengers to pass through ticket gates simply by tapping a compatible card.

Kyoto Ablaze with Five-Mountain Bonfire Ceremony

Kyoto's traditional Gozan Okuribi bonfire ceremony was held on the night of August 16, lighting the skies above the ancient capital as residents marked the end of the Obon season by sending off the spirits of their ancestors.

JAL and ANA to Adjust Domestic Flight Schedules

Japan Airlines and All Nippon Airways are preparing to coordinate schedules on some domestic routes as the longtime rivals seek ways to maintain air services.

Centuries-Old Miyazu Tradition Lights Up Obon Sea

The Miyazu Lantern Floating and Fireworks Festival, a traditional summer event said to have a history of more than 400 years, illuminated the waterfront in Miyazu, Kyoto Prefecture, as lanterns carrying prayers drifted across the sea and fireworks lit the night sky.

Donguri Village in Saga to Close as Visitor Numbers Sag

Donguri Village, an interactive tourist attraction in Saga city that has welcomed visitors for nearly four decades, is expected to close as early as autumn 2027 because of aging facilities and a decline in visitor numbers.

Summer Bears Appear Near Nikko

Bear sightings are increasing across Japan as the animals become more active during their summer breeding season, with encounters reported near major tourist destinations, campsites and fishing areas, including an attack that left a man injured in Gunma Prefecture.

Kansai Airport Sees Peak Arrivals

The return rush at Kansai International Airport peaked on August 14 as travelers who spent the Obon holiday overseas arrived back in Japan, with 39,300 international passengers expected to land at the airport during the day.

Illegal Racers Turn Hanna Road Into High-Speed Track

Osaka police have arrested or referred 38 men and women in their 20s to 40s over suspected dangerous group driving and other offenses on Hanna Road, a mountain route linking Daito in Osaka Prefecture with Nara, as illegal street racing continues to disturb residents despite years of enforcement.

< 2 3 4 5 >