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Police in Tokyo have arrested a 47-year-old graphic designer on suspicion of property destruction after he spray-painted graffiti on a fence inside the premises of an office building at around 4 a.m. on April 18.
Police said Masayuki Kamibara, a resident of Nakano Ward, was apprehended by officers from Yoyogi Police Station on Tuesday, Sankei Shimbun reported.
Following his arrest, Kamibara was quoted as saying “I’ve been spray-painting on building walls and fences for over 30 years, so I can’t remember where I painted what graffiti.”
According to police reports, Kamibara has left his mark on private property under the name “smokee.” Since last year, there have been several acts of vandalism by graffiti in Shibuya Ward.
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rgcivilian1
" Kamibara was quoted as saying “I’ve been spray-painting on building walls and fences for over 30 years, so I can’t remember where I painted what graffiti.”"
I say let the punishment fit the crime, now spend 30 yrs cleaning up the graffiti. Kamibarasan, show me wipe it up, now show me wipe it down, next show me side to side, yes left to right, right to left. Show me, breath Kamibarasan, very important to breath..
since1981
Most of the graffiti in my area is bosozokus using spray paint with an unreadable tag.
kurisupisu
Mr Kamibara now gets to join the 99%...
kazetsukai
Apparently 30 years may be an issue for the police.
However, by enforcing even something seemingly minor like grafitti and even shoplifting a single item, the people are kept in check. Which basically indicates that the laws are not necessarily strict bur designed to be effective also in "prevention" of crimes as people are made aware that even seemingly minor misdeeds are also unacceptable and is a crime.
The problem is that such a system sometimes makes people meek and too reliant on police to take care of their problems. Which inturn makes the gang members bolder against their victims and at the same time difficult to catch.
fuzzylogic
"been spray-painting on building walls and fences for over 30 years"
and just now got caught...
shogun36
He is one of the children.
Hmm, 30 years of tagging private and public property that doesn't belong to him, time to get a new hobby junior. It's not the 80's anymore. I wish it were, but it isn't.
Does he even do good work? Does he make beautiful pictures? Or just a couple of scratches or giant S graffiti?
Makoto Kimura
Never understood why Graffiti is treated so lightly...these "failed artists" are criminals who damage property
nandakandamanda
90% of graffiti is just trash and depressing to see. Occasionally a design will be pleasing to the eyes.
Smokee probably needs to get a different life.
Goodlucktoyou
Apart from combinis selling alcohol 24hr a day at very cheap prices, I think the best thing about Japan is graffiti is very rare in most of Japan.
miss_oikawa
What a despicable criminal. Think of the children!
3RENSHO
Neck tattoo = guilty as charged.