33-year-old man arrested for placing stones on train tracks

why is it (seemingly) always "obstruction of business"? in this case, what about attempted manslaughter, attempted destruction of property.....

what about attempted manslaughter, attempted destruction of property.....

and a trip to the funny farm. this is not normal adult behavior

and a trip to the funny farm. this is not normal adult behavior

for sure. He sounds like he has a few marbles loose.

Hmm… when my son was younger I used to let him put coins on the train tracks. He got a kick out of it and I never stopped to think of whether it was illegal or not. Oops.

why is it (seemingly) always "obstruction of business"? in this case, what about attempted manslaughter, attempted destruction of property.....

There is actually a reason for this.

Obstruction of business is an easy thing for police to arrest someone for because all they need is evidence that the person basically messed with someone's business. This usually isn't hard to come by in cases like this.

In contrast, arresting someone for attempted murder or something similar would require the police to gather a lot more evidence (such as about intent) before making an arrest, which could take time during which the suspect might flee or destroy or conceal evidence.

So the police usually use whatever charge is the easiest to prove to make the initial arrest. This allows them to detain the suspect and both interrogate them and prevent them from running away or destroying evidence. Then they conduct further investigations, gather further evidence and can lay additional charges for things like attempted murder if the facts justify doing so.

In other words, the fact that people are often arrested on what sound like minor charges relative to what they are suspected of doing doesn't mean that this is the only thing they will be charged with.

“I was stressed out because of my job at the time and frustration with my family.”

Ok I will quote the exact comment I saw this morning in another article:

This case is just a glimpse of the dark side of Japan's "successful" socio-economic model which is taking a toll on the mental health of its people.

finally rich

“I was stressed out because of my job at the time and frustration with my family.”

Ok I will quote the exact comment I saw this morning in another article:

"This case is just a glimpse of the dark side of Japan's "successful" socio-economic model which is taking a toll on the mental health of its people."

No. It's just a BS excuse commonly given as a defense for criminal behavior, not unlike "I don't remember doing such a thing" or "I was drunk".

Nobody attempts to derail a train, stab innocent strangers, push people onto train tracks, etc because of stress. That just a trigger.

It's no different that some jerk committing road rage saying he did it because the victim was driving too slow or honked their horn. It's just an excuse for abhorrent behavior that would eventually happen at some point anyway.

"successful" socio-economic model

LOL! Show me the "success" part!

I can't see the relevant in the first two reason, and why they support his reasoning. His Job dissatisfaction being one and Family troubles the second, But the third reason and and most believable is he just wanted to see a train derail. If he did any research he realise that it is not that easy to derail a train. Trains all around the world are always hitting bears and Deers with even small gauge rail and don't derail. How would the first to reason trigger your brain to think, OK I had enough of these trouble so I going to derail a train. Really ? like person who wrote this is drawing a long bow to connect these two reason with derailment. He is just a nutter who watch too many movies.

Hmm… when my son was younger I used to let him put coins on the train tracks. He got a kick out of it and I never stopped to think of whether it was illegal or not. Oops.

‘fess up. I did the same as well every kid I knew. Dumb, but kids are dumb for lack of experience and reprimand when needed.

There are literally a hundred other ways of relieving your stress and frustration without hurting others. This guy is a sociopath and a menace to society. He could have cased a great loss if life and should be given a sentence that reflects that and helps deter other wackos from trying the same thing.

Gaijinjland - Hmm… when my son was younger I used to let him put coins on the train tracks. He got a kick out of it and I never stopped to think of whether it was illegal or not. Oops.

Anonymous - ‘fess up. I did the same as well every kid I knew. Dumb, but kids are dumb for lack of experience and reprimand when needed.

Coins on the tracks pose no danger to the train or passengers. It's a very common thing for kids to do, at least in the US. It teaches them what happens to seemingly strong, solid objects when greater mass and force is applied to them.

Obviously, one shouldn't let their child do this on busy commuter rail tracks, or where a third rail is present. But, in rural areas, where train traffic is few and far between, it should be okay with an adult around, checking first to make sure the area is clear.

Did Koike place stones on railway lines? Or rocks? Stones may not derail a slow moving train but, may derail a bullet train. Rocks the size of a football or bigger will derail any train. Koike gave himself up at a police station probably because he wants attention. So a term in prison will not cure him. Plenty of attention at a reform school will.

This is a selfish act!! Lock this looney up and when he gets out make him pave roads with stones. Hiroke is stressed out from his job and had frustration with his family but didn't think of the hundred of people whom he could have injured and let alone stress their family members out if something happened because of his selfish act!! WOW he wanted to see a train derailed, well I want to see him in Jail and his personal life derailed for a time being!!! The wheels on the bus go round and round!!!

According to police, Hiroki Koike has admitted to the charge, local media reported. He was quoted as saying, “I was stressed out because of my job at the time and frustration with my family.” He also told police he wanted to see a train derailed.

 “I was stressed out because of my job at the time and frustration with my family.”

I didn't even read the story and I knew this was the reason! If your job is so bad, then quit! Leave your family! Those people on the trains had NOTHING to do with your situation!

He also told police he wanted to see a train derailed.

Keep this guy in his government issued cubicle for the rest of his life because as long as there are bad days he poses a great threat/danger to society!