Summary
A man who is suspected to be behind several bomb threats sent toNintendo Japan, causing various live events to be canceled, has reportedly admitted to sending the messages as he was “frustrated” by losing inSplatoon 3.
Earlier this year, you may have heard a story abouta man called Kenshin Kazama being arrested over bomb threats sent to Nintendo Japan. Various threats to Nintendo staff and fans were sent to the company via the inquiry form on its official website, which eventually caused live events such as Nintendo Live 2024 and the Splatoon Koshien 2023 National Finals to be cancelled.
Kazama was accused of sending messages that told Nintendo to “prepare to be killed” and to be careful about events “that have spectators in attendance.” He also reportedly claimed he would make the company “regret bringing such a sh**** game into this world” and “kill everyone involved,” most likely in reference to Splatoon, due to him targeting the National Finals. Several bomb and death threats were also allegedly included in the 39 total submissions that Kazama made over several months.
Nintendo Japan’s Bomb Threat Suspect Admits Being “Frustrated” By Splatoon 3
If you’re wondering what would possess someone to send all those threats to a game company, it seems as though we have gamer rage to thank. Kazama stood trial earlier this week, during which he admitted sending the threats. According toa Kansai Television News Report(translated by VGC), Kazama explained that the reason behind the threats was because he was getting “frustrated” with losing in Splatoon 3.
“I sent the messages because I was stressed by playing the game. When I kept losing, I got frustrated.”
According to the case’s prosecutor, the total damage caused by Kazama’s threats was ¥700 million (roughly $4.36 million) and that there are no extenuating circumstances for his “childish motives.” The prosecution is also asking for Kazama to be sentenced to one year in jail, with the actual sentencing expected to take place on July 24.
