Particle.news
Download on the App Store

Tokyo Police Arrest Man Over Fatal Kabukicho 'Duel' Under 1889 Law

Police cite Japan's 1889 anti-dueling law in a case expected to move to prosecutors.

Overview

  • Fuga Asari, 26, was arrested on January 8–9 on suspicion of assault resulting in death and dueling, and he admitted the allegations.
  • The confrontation occurred around 4 a.m. on September 23 in Kabukicho’s Toyoko area near the Toho Cinemas complex.
  • Police say Asari threw 30-year-old Naoya Matsuda to the ground, causing head injuries that led to his death on October 12 from multiple organ failure.
  • A Mongolian man in his 40s is suspected of instigating the fight and has been deported for illegal residence.
  • Investigators are applying the 1889 dueling statute, which outlaws challenges, witnessing, or providing a venue, with reported penalties of two to five years in prison.