Japanese Streamer Faces Fines and Jail Time Over Tokyo Shrine Stunt

 

A Japanese online streamer triggered intense outrage after engaging in indecent acts during a live broadcast at Tokyo's historical "Masakado塚" (Taira no Masakado's Grave Monument). Tokyo police have referred the case to prosecutors, charging the man with public indecency and disrespecting a place of worship.

Investigators reported that the suspect, a 30-something man from Gunma Prefecture, streamed at the site around 10:00 PM on August 19. During the broadcast, he exposed his lower body in public and climbed the sacred monument while shouting loudly. The site's administrators filed a police report, leading the streamer—known online as "Ainosuke" on the platform KICK—to turn himself in on August 21. He claimed he was simply fulfilling chat requests from viewers. Following the incident, his streaming collective cut ties with him, and KICK banned his account.

Police recommended strict legal action. Under Japanese law, disrespecting a place of worship carries up to six months in prison or a fine up to 100,000 yen (~$630 USD). Public indecency carries up to six months in prison or a fine up to 300,000 yen (~$1,895 USD).

The monument houses the spirit of Taira no Masakado, a 10th-century warlord who rebelled against the imperial court and was killed in battle. Legend says his severed head flew to Tokyo, where he became revered as one of Japan's "Three Great Vengeful Spirits." Notorious supernatural legends surround the site: 14 officials died mysteriously during a 1920s redevelopment attempt, and US military equipment randomly flipped over during a post-WWII parking lot construction. Today, skyscrapers in central Tokyo are built around the preserved plot. Outraged netizens remarked that by disrespecting the site, the streamer was recklessly "gambling with his life" against ancient curses.