Kazunori Yokoi, a 61-year-old resident of Kyoto, was arrested on 23/7 for persistent noise disturbances that have plagued four of his neighbors, aged in their 60s and 80s, since 2019. The prolonged harassment has reportedly led to severe health issues for the victims, including sleeplessness, depression, and chronic tinnitus.

Guitars seized by Kyoto police from Yokoi at Nishikyo district police headquarters on 23/7. Kyodo

According to police, Yokoi systematically created excessive noise by placing a radio next to his window, leaving his door open, and playing it 24 hours a day, even when he was not home. He also played his electric guitar from early morning until late at night, adding to the constant disturbance.

Authorities had issued multiple warnings to Yokoi over the years, but he failed to comply. Eventually, the four affected neighbors gathered sufficient evidence, leading to his arrest on charges of causing harm to others' health. Yokoi, however, denies the allegations. During a search of his home, police seized over 40 guitars, including numerous electric models, along with CD players, cassette radios, and audio amplifiers. Investigators measured noise levels in the neighborhood exceeding 80 decibels, comparable to the sound of a moving train car.

The relentless noise had a profound impact on the victims. "It was terrible because all sorts of sounds were mixed together all day", one neighbor recounted, highlighting the distress caused by the constant cacophony.

The incident garnered significant attention on Japanese social media, with many expressing outrage and questioning the authorities' delayed response. One commenter remarked, "We need to impose stricter penalties so that arrests become common practice. Why wait until people can't bear it anymore before making an arrest?"

Another criticized, "The police also bear some responsibility for not acting sooner."

Hong Hanh (According to AFP, Japan Today, Sora)