Tokyo Man Arrested for Attempted Arson Over Go-Kart Noise

A **28-year-old** man was arrested in **Tokyo** on **July 16, 2023**, for allegedly attempting to set fire to go-karts after becoming frustrated with the noise generated by the popular tourist activity. The individual, whose identity has not been released, faces charges of attempted arson following an incident last month where he reportedly ignited waste at a company that offers go-karting tours.

Go-karting in Tokyo has gained notoriety, particularly among international visitors who often dress as characters from the beloved **Super Mario** franchise while navigating the city’s streets. However, the noise from these go-karts has reportedly drawn complaints from local residents.

According to police, the suspect is believed to have set fire to rubbish on the premises of a go-karting operator, leading to flames that spread to parked vehicles and damaged surrounding walls. Fortunately, emergency services were able to extinguish the fire quickly, minimizing damage.

In a statement to investigators, the man expressed that he felt “stressed out by the engine noise of the go-karts.” Notably, his workplace is situated near the go-karting venue, which may have contributed to his frustrations.

In a related development, the go-karting company had previously received a threatening letter in May. The letter warned that the sender would “set karts aflame if engines are turned on after tomorrow.” Police are currently investigating a possible connection between this threat and the recent arson attempt.

The incident underscores the growing tensions between local residents and the tourism sector, particularly in areas where activities like go-karting attract large crowds and create significant noise. Authorities are continuing their investigation while ensuring the safety of both residents and businesses in the area.