Two US Citizens Arrested for Trespassing into Monkey Enclosure at Chiba Zoo in Costume

Ichikawa Police in Chiba Prefecture have arrested two men, both self-proclaimed US citizens, on suspicion of forcible obstruction of business after they unauthorizedly entered the Japanese macaque enclosure, known as "Monkey Mountain," at the Ichikawa City Zoological and Botanical Garden.

The individuals arrested are a 24-year-old university student and a 27-year-old who identifies as a singer. According to the police investigation, the 24-year-old man allegedly entered the enclosure wearing a costume while the 27-year-old man filmed the act with a smartphone from outside the fence. These actions are believed to have obstructed the normal operations of the zoo.

During questioning, one of the men denied the allegations, stating, "I don't want to answer, and I am not satisfied with this arrest." Police are conducting a thorough investigation into the specific circumstances and motives, suspecting that the act was committed for the purpose of posting a video to social media.

As news of the incident spread on social media, it triggered a wave of online criticism. Users commented that it was "irresponsible behavior that disregarded the safety of the animals and visitors" and suggested that "if they wanted to stand out, they should have found a different way." Furthermore, some users expressed concern over the rise of "nuisance-style" creators who resort to extreme behavior to gain attention online.

The Context

In Japan, the charge of "forcible obstruction of business" (iryoku gyomu bogai) is frequently used in cases involving disruptive pranks or stunts that interfere with the operations of a business or public facility. This incident highlights a growing concern in Japan regarding "meiwaku-kei" (nuisance-type) content creators—influencers who engage in antisocial or illegal behavior specifically to gain views and followers on social media platforms like YouTube and TikTok. The Ichikawa City Zoological and Botanical Garden is a popular local attraction in Chiba Prefecture, and the Japanese macaque enclosure, often called "Saruyama" (Monkey Mountain), is a common feature in Japanese zoos where visitors can observe monkeys in a simulated mountain environment.

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