TOKYO (TR) – A man was arrested after he stripped naked during a New Year’s greeting by the Emperor in front of the Imperial Palace in Chiyoda Ward last week, reports TBS News (Jan. 2).
At around 2:25 p.m. on January 2, the man, positioned in the front row, suddenly began to remove his clothes while emitting strange noises.
After he climbed over a fence, officers from the Imperial Guard and the Tokyo Metropolitan Police, apprehended him and wrapped him in a blanket.
The man, aged in his 20s, was later accused of public indecency.
The incident occurred during the fifth and final New Year’s greeting by Their Majesties the Emperor and Empress and Prince Akishino and their family.
The Imperial Family was on the balcony and His Majesty delivering a speech. As the incident unfolded, a brief commotion in front of the Palace erupted. However, according to the Imperial Household Agency and other sources, it did not affect the greeting.
According to investigators, the man had posted a warning on social media that he would appear naked at the appearance by the Emperor. The Imperial Guard is currently investigating his motives in detail.
