27-year-old arrested over bomb-threat letters to Nintendo HQ

Kyoto police arrested a 27-year-old man from Hekinan, Aichi Prefecture, on May 12 on suspicion of sending threatening letters to Nintendo’s Minami-ku, Kyoto headquarters that claimed explosives had been placed inside the building. The suspect admitted to sending the letters.

The envelope arrived at Nintendo’s headquarters on March 13 and contained messages asserting that explosives were already inside the premises and threatening the company and its staff. Officers searched the building interior and the surrounding area and found no evidence of explosive devices.

Investigators said it took about two months to identify and locate the sender. Authorities are continuing inquiries to determine why the company was targeted and to gather forensic evidence.

Nintendo’s global executive offices are based in Minami-ku, Kyoto; the company was founded in 1889. Nintendo has not issued a public statement about the arrest, and law enforcement is handling public communications on the matter.

Under Japan’s criminal code, sending threatening communications can carry a prison term of up to two years or a fine for intimidation. False claims involving bombs and other serious threats can draw heavier penalties. Prosecutors will decide on specific charges after investigators complete their work.

The letters disrupted operations when they were received. In 2023 Nintendo canceled the Splatoon Koshien National Finals after threats related to the event. In 2024, Nintendo Live in Tokyo was canceled after another individual, also 27 years old, made threats and was arrested. Police have said there is no indication the current case is linked to those earlier incidents.

The arrest comes while Nintendo remains active following the June 2025 launch of the Nintendo Switch 2 and amid planned first-party releases in 2026, including an upcoming Star Fox remake. The building has been confirmed secure and the suspect remains in custody while investigators continue to gather evidence and clarify motivations; further updates are expected as the case moves through the legal process.