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Chibatman called in by police; receives their official approval

16 Comments
By Casey Baseel

A few weeks ago, a handful of motorists in Chiba Prefecture witnessed a sight few of us will ever be fortunate enough to see: a man dressed as Batman riding a customized trike, speeding down the expressway. Chibatman, as he soon came to be known, quickly caught the attention of not only comic fans around the world, but also the local police, who recently called the Caped Crusader in for a little chat.

Chibatman himself related the story to Yahoo! Japan News. Realizing that if there’s ever a time to pass on a cosplay opportunity, it’s when you’ve been summoned to the police station, the man showed up in the regular clothes he wears to his non-crime-fighting day job, but it seems his reputation had preceded him. As soon as he checked in at the front desk, the receptionist replied, “Oh, you’re Batman, aren’t you?” and when he was called in for his interview, he was beckoned with, “Right this way, Batman.”

“I was led into what, based on how it looked, you could only describe as an interrogation room,” Chibatman recalls. “Waiting there was a detective in a suit and a representative from the Land Transport Bureau.”

Thankfully, the pair wasn’t there to arrest the superhero, nor did they want him to rough-up a maniacal clown while the lawmen looked the other way. Instead, they just wanted to talk, primarily about his self-customized vehicle which he’s dubbed the Chibatpod.

In light of its extensive modifications, the civil servants wanted to make sure Batman was aware of vehicle width regulations, and also to confirm that his cape is properly attached in a manner that ensures it won’t go flying off in the breeze and smother someone else’s windshield.

The Japanese Batman of course has Japanese manners, so as their talk came to a close, he apologized for any unwanted commotion he’d caused the police. As it turned out, though, the officials have a keen concept of fun and are refreshingly easygoing for people who can properly be called “the authorities.”

“You haven’t done anything wrong,” they cheerfully told Chibatman, before going so far as to encourage future appearances. “You’re going to keep doing this, right? If you ever have any questions, feel free to contact us any time.”

Given how much attention is being pointed Chibatman’s way, you may be surprised that he hasn’t made the rounds of Japan’s numerous talk shows yet. It’s not that producers aren’t trying, as the costumed rider says he’s been inundated with invitations. So far, though, he’s turned them down.

“The whole reason I’m doing this is because I want to make people smile when they see me on the road,” he explained. Really, we should have expected as much. For decades, Batman has suddenly appeared out of nowhere to strike fear into the hearts of criminals, so it’s only natural that Chibatman follow the same M.O. in putting a smile on everyone else’s face.

Sources: Jin, Yahoo! Japan News

Read more stories from RocketNews24. -- If Batman played golf, this would be his ride -- Elderly lady gives chase as purse-snatcher sprints up escalator -- George Clooney appears in Kirin beer ad, sounds a bit like Batman when he speaks Japanese

© RocketNews24

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16 Comments
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Classic. I love that they called him in for something as commonplace as making sure he was following vehicle specifications and what not. Seems like he's honestly just in it for the fun and to make people smile, and for that reason I hope he sticks to his guns and does not start appearing on tarento shows or in the media much. It'll make him a pariah in the media here if he turns them down too much, but all the more power to Chibatman, and more 'infamy' and respect.

1 ( +5 / -4 )

I heard the police contacted him using the Chibat Signal. Maybe he can rid the area of dengue carrying mosquitoes.

2 ( +3 / -1 )

Chibatman Rises!!!

Yeeeeey!!!!!

1 ( +1 / -0 )

I love this... a good news story for once. Brilliant.

7 ( +7 / -0 )

Can someone for the love of batman do a piece on the bike, I would love to know how he did it... or is that a batman secret?

3 ( +3 / -0 )

Ahhhh no...Sorry but he got bigger than the police!!! They don't want him to tweet that his Freedom of Speech and Expression was denied by Japanese police.

Internet fame is a powerful thing.

-1 ( +0 / -1 )

Chibatman, eh? Saitaman? Gunman?

2 ( +4 / -2 )

0 ( +0 / -0 )

Will they get a Chibatman floodlight to call him when they need him?

1 ( +1 / -0 )

I hope his cape doesn't get caught on something on a truck and be dragged to death.

0 ( +0 / -0 )

Wonder where the Chibatcave is...and where's Chibatgirl? She must be hot!

Got the Neal Hefti tune in my head now...

-2 ( +0 / -2 )

Chibatman RULES

1 ( +1 / -0 )

This guy lives every 5 year old's dream, and even many 20 somethings.

0 ( +0 / -0 )

Great story! Hope he keeps making appearances!

0 ( +0 / -0 )

In his secret identity he is Bunnozuke Watanabe, millionaire  factory manager and notorious ojisan. 

As for me I am none other than "TsukijishiJoker" "Wait till they get a load of me." he~ In seriousness, kudos to you Chibatman!

0 ( +0 / -0 )

If this man made his own Bat Signal and offered it to the police do you think they'd put it up? If he did I hope they would.

0 ( +0 / -0 )

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