TOKYO (TR) – Tokyo Metropolitan Police have arrested a 58-year-old Chinese national who is suspected of carrying out multiple thefts on the Narita Express dating back to last year, reports the Mainichi Shimbun (Feb. 26).
On January 22, Long Yongjun, allegedly stole 100,000 yen in cash and four credit cards from the backpack of a Taiwanese man in his 40s on board the train.
The suspect then used these cards to purchase four items valued at 2.2 million yen, including a luxury camera, at a department store in Chiyoda Ward.
Upon his arrest on suspicion of theft and fraud on February 26, Long denied the allegations. “I didn’t do anything like that,” he said.
Dozens of pickpocketing incidents
The Narita Express runs between Narita International Airport and various stations in the Tokyo metropolitan area.
According to the Takanawa Police Station, security cameras inside the train captured Long taking the wallet from the man’s backpack, which had been placed on a luggage rack. He then removed only the cash and cards before returning it.
The Narita Express has experienced dozens of pickpocketing incidents involving foreign visitors to Japan since the fall of 2025.
Similar incidents have occurred repeatedly since last year. Tokyo police are investigating whether Long was behind those incidents as well.
“Easy target”
From Tokyo Station, the Narita Express takes just 53 minutes to arrive at Narita International Airport.
Masazumi Nakajima is a former member of the Osaka Prefectural Police who was in charge of theft cases. He tells TV Asahi (Feb. 27) that this lengthy period makes passengers a target for thieves.
“There are many trains in Tokyo, and it’s entirely possible that someone might get off at any time,” says Nakajima. “Foreigners arriving at Narita International Airport are very likely heading to central Tokyo. Since they stay on the train for a long time, it makes them an easy target for crime.”
By many accounts, Japan is considered “crime free.” A tourist from Serbia interviewed by the network said, “I haven’t taken any precautions. Japan is very safe.”
However, a tourist from the United States offered a different viewpoint. They said, “I lock my luggage. I try to keep it close to me.”
Foreign governments are also taking a cautious approach.
The Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade commented, “Pickpocketing and other petty crimes may occur in popular tourist destinations.”
Meanwhile, the U.S. Department of State said, “Pickpocketing can occur in crowded shopping areas, on trains and at airports.”
