Man Arrested for Arson at Tokyo's Shibuya Scramble Crossing

On April 3, 2023, a man in his 50s was arrested for allegedly starting a fire at the Shibuya Scramble Crossing in Tokyo, a renowned intersection known for its heavy pedestrian traffic. The incident occurred around 9:00 PM when the suspect reportedly poured a liquid from a plastic bottle onto the street and ignited it with a lighter. Witnesses described the fire as flaring up suddenly, with one stating, "It looked like gasoline had been set on fire, and it flared up suddenly. It was like a blaze." The fire was extinguished within approximately 15 minutes by police officers and other responders, with no injuries reported.

Man Arrested After Igniting Fire on Shibuya Scramble CrossingMan turns himself in over suspected arson at Shibuya ‘Scramble Crossing’Man, in his 50s, starts fire at Shibuya Crossing in Tokyo, turns himself in 20 minutes later

The suspect, who claims to be a painter from Nagoya, turned himself in at the Shibuya Police Station about 30 minutes after the incident. During questioning, he admitted to the allegations, stating, “I scattered liquid and set it on fire with a lighter.” Investigators believe he may have intended to draw attention to a message written on a piece of cardboard that was left at the scene, which was reportedly placed nearby before the fire was set.

Man Arrested After Igniting Fire on Shibuya Scramble Crossing

The Tokyo Metropolitan Police Department responded promptly to the emergency call made by a passer-by, who reported seeing the fire at the busy intersection. Four fire trucks were dispatched, and the flames were quickly controlled. The police are currently investigating the motive behind the suspect's actions and whether the incident was intended as a form of protest or expression.

The Straits Times

While no injuries were reported, the incident has raised concerns about public safety at one of Tokyo's busiest intersections. Critics argue that such acts could endanger lives and disrupt the flow of traffic in a densely populated area. The police have emphasized the importance of maintaining safety and order in public spaces.

The Straits Times

The Tokyo Fire Department confirmed that the fire burned an area of approximately one square meter and involved items such as kerosene and plastic bottles. The Metropolitan Police Department is continuing its investigation to ascertain the full circumstances surrounding the incident.

Man turns himself in over suspected arson at Shibuya ‘Scramble Crossing’

• “I scattered liquid and set it on fire with a lighter.” — Suspect, Painter from Nagoya

Man turns himself in over suspected arson at Shibuya ‘Scramble Crossing’

• “It looked like gasoline had been set on fire, and it flared up suddenly. It was like a blaze.” — Witness at the scene

Man Arrested After Igniting Fire on Shibuya Scramble Crossing

Authorities are expected to conduct further interrogations of the suspect to uncover any underlying motives for the fire. The investigation will also focus on the implications of such actions in public spaces and the potential need for increased security measures at high-traffic locations like the Shibuya Scramble Crossing.

Man, in his 50s, starts fire at Shibuya Crossing in Tokyo, turns himself in 20 minutes later