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Man threatens to protest Tokyo Sky Tree site with right-wing truck

Tokyo Sky Tree
Tokyo Sky Tree

TOKYO (TR) – The organized crime division of the Tokyo Metropolitan Police on Monday arrested a 50-year-old man for threatening to cause a disturbance at the Tokyo Sky Tree with a right-wing propaganda truck, reports Sankei Sports (Apr. 24).

Kazuo Tanikawa planned to organize a right-wing demonstration following violent treatment he claimed to have received at the construction site in March. The suspect, who works in the paint business, has reportedly admitted to the allegations.

The 634-meter Tokyo Sky Tree, located in Sumida Ward, is scheduled to open on May 22. Last year, Guinness World Records recognized it as the world’s tallest tower.

On May 3, Tanikawa allegedly informed Tobu Town Machi, the Tokyo Sky Tree management company, and Tobu Railway, the tower’s developer, that he had received violent treatment from security personnel. “I am a forming a political organization,” the suspect told the company. “On May 22, we will appear at the station plaza with a right-wing propaganda truck.”

On March 12, the suspect attempted to enter the construction site without approval and became angry when he was stopped by security. According to Sports Nippon, he then lodged a complaint by phone with the management company and owner, explaining that he had been assaulted multiple times, a claim police have determined to be a fabrication.

To this point, investigators have been unable to verify that Tanikawa is indeed a member of a right-wing or organized crime group.

When asked for comment, the Tobu Town Machi public relations department said that it is cooperating with the ongoing investigation and has nothing further to contribute.

The Yomiuri Shimbun (Apr. 17) reports that two brothers, aged 25 and 22, from Tochigi Prefecture were taken into custody on April 17 for attempting to gain access to the site.