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Man Arrested After Small Fire at Shibuya Scramble Crossing

The self-surrender gives police a clear lead as they examine motive, including a message reportedly left at the site.

Overview

  • Flames rose at the center of Tokyo’s Shibuya Scramble Crossing Friday around 9:05 p.m., when police and firefighters arrived within minutes to put them out.
  • About 20 minutes later, a man in his 50s from Nagoya turned himself in at the Shibuya police station, which arrested him on suspicion of obstructing traffic.
  • The Tokyo Fire Department said a single PET bottle and kerosene burned with no injuries.
  • A witness said officers first threw water from buckets before a fire extinguisher finally knocked down the flames.
  • Police noted a cardboard sign with messages at the scene and are checking any link to the suspect, a focus that could clarify motive at a crossing packed with foot traffic near Shibuya Station.