Suspicious fire incident in Chuo Ward, Tokyo, arrest of 18-year-old American on family vacation
According to the Tokyo Metropolitan Police Department, on October 21, 2024, an 18-year-old American man who was visiting Japan for sightseeing was arrested on suspicion of damaging property after an incident occurred in which a resource recovery container burned down in an apartment building in Japan Bridge, Chuo-ku, Tokyo. (Photo: Hisamatsu Police Station)
The man had traveled to Japan with his family and was scheduled to return to Japan on October 23. Currently, the man is being interrogated on suspicion of arson, but he denies the charges, saying, "I don't remember."
In the vicinity, there have been six other similar suspicious fires in Sumida and Chuo wards, and police are carefully investigating the connection to these incidents.
When the editorial department asks the Hisamatsu Police Station, which is in charge of the investigation, about the progress of the case, they say, "We are still investigating and there is nothing new to be reported."
If the charges are confirmed, the man may be detained in Japan if it is considered a serious crime. On the other hand, if the charges are judged to be relatively light, there is a possibility that the repatriation procedure will proceed. Ultimately, it is up to the prosecution and the courts to decide.
