In Japan, unusual stories appear often, but this one from Niigata Prefecture quickly caught attention. A Niigata man arrested for stealing bicycles turned out not to be just a common thief, but someone with a bizarre mission: he wanted to create his own perfect bike.
Niigata Man Arrested for Stealing Bicycles
Police in Niigata City recently arrested a 51-year-old man who admitted to stealing a total of 42 bicycles. When questioned, he told officers, “I wanted to collect the parts and make a bike to my own liking.” It sounds almost like the plot of a strange manga, but this story is very real.
The man’s unusual journey ended on April 2, when a police officer stopped him on the street for routine questioning. The bicycle he was riding at the time was discovered to be stolen, and he was arrested immediately.
A House Full of Bicycles
After his arrest, investigators searched his home and uncovered more than 50 bicycles stacked together, with a total estimated value of over one million yen (around 7,000 USD). Despite his claim of wanting to build a dream machine, most of the bicycles were still in perfect condition, untouched and unmodified.
The suspect confessed to stealing them over the last four years. Officially, he is facing charges for the theft of 35 bicycles and seven cases of misappropriating lost property. In Japan, even keeping a “found” item without reporting it to the police is a crime.
Initially, the man said he only took unlocked bikes, but further investigation revealed he had broken locks on some of them. His so-called “master plan” wasn’t as innocent as he wanted people to believe.
Public Reaction to the Case
When the news spread, it quickly generated a wave of reactions online. Many people were amused, others were simply confused, and some sympathized with his strange dream. Comments included:
- “He has a lot of passion.”
- “He’s just like Dr. Frankenstein.”
- “I wonder what kind of bike he was making.”
- “Was he planning on making a 100-wheeler?”
- “My bike was stolen a while ago. Maybe he’s got it.”
While some internet users joked about his obsession, others pointed out that all the bicycles shown by police remained intact. If he truly wanted to create a unique bike, shouldn’t there have been parts everywhere?
A Dream That Will Never Be Completed
Unfortunately, the world may never see what his “perfect bike” would have looked like. Even if he manages to get a suspended sentence, it’s safe to say he won’t be allowed anywhere near a bicycle for a long time.
In the end, the story of the Niigata man arrested for stealing bicycles is both bizarre and oddly human. His passion may have been real, but his method was undeniably wrong. Perhaps once this is behind him, he can find a new hobby that doesn’t involve taking from others. Instead of building the best bike, maybe it’s time for him to focus on building the best version of himself.
nanijapan.com