CHIBA (TR) – A court here this week handed a man nicknamed the “Hyokkori Otoko” (Pop-op Man) a one-year prison term for suddenly jumping out onto a road on his bicycle and into oncoming traffic.
The conviction of Akihiko Narushima, 38, is not his first, reports NHK (June 26).
On April 15, 2024, Narushima used his bicycle to jump out in front of an oncoming car on a road in Kashiwa City to block traffic by forcing the car to brake.
At the Matsudo branch of the Chiba District Court on Thursday, presiding judge Shiho Mukai said, “An accident was avoided by the driver temporarily stopping, but this was an extremely dangerous act.”
The judge added that the defendant “intended to actively obstruct” the driving of the victim.
During his trial for violating the Road Traffic Act, Narushima denied the charges. He said that he had no intention of blocking the traffic.
In Kashiwa and Abiko cities, police received more than 40 reports of persons dangerous bicycle riding on roadways between January and April last year.
The court also pointed out that Narushima had received an eight-month prison sentence for a similar offense four years ago. Despite his, he committed the same crime again. Judge Mukai sentenced him to one year in prison, citing “a lack of remorse.”
