Full Breakdown
Japanese Man Arrested for Bomb Threats Against Nintendo Headquarters
5/13/2026, 11:03:56 AM
Threat Letter Incident at Nintendo’s Kyoto Headquarters
On 12 May 2024, Kyoto police arrested a 27-year-old unemployed Japanese man for sending letters to Nintendo’s Kyoto headquarters that threatened to “blow you all up,” claimed he had “already planted multiple bombs,” and declared “my plans cannot be thwarted.” Nintendo reported the letters on 16 March 2024; a police search found no devices. The suspect has admitted the charges while investigators probe his motive.
Background: Prior Threats and Event Cancellations
Nintendo has faced similar threats. In 2023 it cancelled the Splatoon Koshien National Finals after a bomb threat targeted staff and attendees. A 2024 threat forced the cancellation of Nintendo Live Tokyo, and another 2024 incident led to the relocation of a Nintendo Live event, after which the perpetrator received a one-year prison sentence. Both the 2023 Splatoon Koshien National Finals tournament and the 2024 Nintendo Live Tokyo event were cancelled after threats that specifically referenced those gatherings. A separate 2024 case involving another 27-year-old man resulted in a one-year prison sentence for a similar bomb threat.
Key Parties
- Nintendo Co., Ltd. – Video-game developer operating the Kyoto headquarters.
- Kyoto Prefectural Police – Conducted the search and made the arrest.
- KTV News – Reported the arrest, cited by Automaton Media.
- Automaton Media and KTV News served as the primary media outlets reporting the case.
- Suspect – Unnamed 27-year-old unemployed Japanese man.
- The suspect is described as unemployed in the reports.
Chronology
- 16 Mar 2024 – Nintendo alerts police.
- Mid-Mar 2024 – Police search finds no devices.
- 12 May 2024 – Suspect arrested; later admits charges.
Quantitative Overview
- Prior cancellations: two (2023 Splatoon Koshien, 2024 Nintendo Live Tokyo).
- Prior conviction: one-year sentence for a Nintendo-related threat.
- Explosives found: none.
Official Statements & Responses
Nintendo said it cooperated with police and reported the letters promptly. Kyoto police said the arrest was for suspected obstruction of business and confirmed the search yielded no evidence of bombs. Police described the arrest as being on grounds of suspected obstruction of business. Both agencies said the investigation remains open.
Criticism and Opposition
No public criticism or dissenting commentary appears in the sources. No statements from employee unions or advocacy groups were reported.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
The suspect’s claim of planted bombs is unverified, as police found none. Motive remains unknown.
Verbatim Quotes
- “I’m going to blow you all up” — Unnamed suspect
- “My plans cannot be thwarted.” — Unnamed suspect
- “already planted multiple bombs” — Unnamed suspect
- “He allegedly sent messages such as "I'm going to blow you all up" and "my plans cannot be thwarted".” — Unnamed suspect
Implications for Nintendo’s Security and Event Planning
Repeated threats have forced Nintendo to cancel or relocate high-profile events, highlighting security vulnerabilities at its facilities and public gatherings.
Future Steps
Kyoto police continue probing the motive and any accomplices.
