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3 clusters · 14 sources · 23 days · First seen about 2 months ago · Last updated about 1 month ago

Kyoto loud guitar noise arrest

Overview

Neighbors in Kyoto’s Nishikyo ward began filing complaints regarding a 61-year-old resident’s incessant electric guitar playing and blaring radio, which produced volumes between 80 and 90 dB. While initial reports suggested complaints began in 2019, subsequent investigations indicate the disturbances may have persisted for up to a decade, with police issuing warnings as early as 2017.

On 23 July 2026, police arrested Kazunori Yokoi, charging him with bodily injury. The noise, described as hard rock music played “24 hours a day,” reportedly caused insomnia, depression, and tinnitus among at least four elderly neighbors aged between 60 and 80. One victim expressed relief following the arrest, stating, “After the arrest I felt relief – a world without sound.”

During the arrest, officers seized 76 items from Yokoi’s apartment, including more than 40 guitars and various amplifiers. Investigators noted that the sound levels were comparable to being on board a moving train. Although Yokoi acknowledged creating the noise, he has denied that it caused any physical or mental injuries. The case is proceeding through the courts.

Entities

Kyoto · Kazunori Yokoi · Nishikyo Ward, Kyoto · Japanese police · Kyoto Police

Claims

What the coverage asserts, and how many sources carry each claim.

[● 4 SOURCES] Police in Nishikyo, Kyoto arrested Kazunori Yokoi on 23 July on suspicion of bodily injury.
[● 4 SOURCES] Four neighbors reported health problems—including sleep deprivation, depression, and tinnitus—linked to the noise.
[● 4 SOURCES] Noise levels were measured at over 80 decibels.
[● 4 SOURCES] Police seized more than 40 guitars and audio equipment from Yokoi’s residence.
[● 4 SOURCES] Yokoi had been playing guitars loudly and broadcasting radio since 2019 despite warnings.
[● 4 SOURCES] Police classified the conduct as bodily injury under Japanese law.
[● 4 SOURCES] Four neighbours documented the health impacts, providing the legal basis for the arrest.
[● 4 SOURCES] Kazunori Yokoi denied the bodily injury charge.

Timeline

about 1 month ago

[CRIME] 2 sources
Kyoto man arrested for seven years of loud music disturbances
A 61-year-old man was arrested in Kyoto, Japan, for causing severe noise disturbances with loud music and guitars for seven years, resulting in health issues for his elderly neighbors.
about 2 months ago

[CRIME] 8 sources
Kazunori Yokoi Arrested in Kyoto After Decade of Loud Rock Noise
Kazunori Yokoi, 61, was arrested in Kyoto after a decade of blasting loud rock music, causing health issues for neighbours; police seized 76 audio items.
about 2 months ago

[CRIME] 4 sources
Kyoto Man Arrested for Seven-Year Loud Guitar Noise Impairing Neighbors' Health
A 61‑year‑old man in Kyoto was arrested after seven years of playing loud electric guitars and radio, which neighbors say caused insomnia, depression and tinnitus; police seized over 40 guitars.

Sources

antaranews.com · burningpig.com · descopera.ro · dexerto.com · fnn.jp · kidsparty.fr · lebardegandi.net · leinetal24.de · litaliano.it · m.viva.co.id · mannheim24.de · media.merkur.de · tgcom24.mediaset.it · tz.de

This summary has been updated 3 times: see revision history