A 41-year-old French artist was recently arrested in Kyoto, Japan, for vandalizing an election poster by drawing facial hair on a candidate’s image. The incident took place on October 21 in Kyoto’s Nakagyo Ward, where the man allegedly used a pen to add a beard to the face of a candidate on a campaign poster.
While some might view this act as humorous, Japanese authorities treated it as a serious case of property damage, leading to his arrest on October 30.
How Police Tracked Him Down
A police officer on patrol discovered the graffiti and noticed the unusual markings on the poster. He launched an investigation, during which officers reviewed nearby security camera footage that pointed to the Frenchman as the suspect.
He was subsequently taken into custody by Kyoto Prefectural Police and reportedly admitted to the vandalism charges.
A History of Graffiti Offences
This wasn’t the artist’s first offense in the area. According to the Tokyo Reporter, in August, he was arrested for drawing on a restaurant wall in the same ward, only to be released shortly afterward. His repeated actions suggest a pattern of graffiti-related offenses, which has heightened the authorities’ attention and concern.
Legal and Cultural Impact of the Incident
Damaging political posters, especially during an election period, is a criminal offense in Japan. This particular case is sensitive because the vandalism occurred just days before Japan’s House of Representatives election on October 27.
In Japan, campaign posters are protected as public property, and tampering with them can lead to significant legal consequences.
More from Wake Up Singapore:-
Japanese Man with Four “Wives” Has Sex More Than 28 Times Weekly, Wants 54 Kids
Chilean Influencer Apologizes for Pull-Up Stunt on Japan’s Sacred Torii Gate
Japanese Woman Stops Robber with Headlock Learned from Anime
If you have a story or a tip-off, email admin@wakeup.sg or get in touch via Whatsapp at 8882 5913.
Since you have made it to the end of the article, follow Wake Up Singapore on Telegram!
Wake Up Singapore is a volunteer-run site that covers alternative views in Singapore. If you want to volunteer with us, sign up here!
If you can, please do consider buying a mug or two to support Wake Up Singapore’s work!
