World · East Asia & Pacific · 2 hrs ago
About 25 young people face action over police box pranks in Hyogo
In Japan’s Hyogo Prefecture, police took action against about 25 young people over pranks at police boxes and emergency calls.
Those involved ranged from lower-grade elementary school pupils to high school students, and were arrested or cautioned.
Some entered police boxes shouting “Shorinji” and spread juice, while others made calls to Japan’s emergency number, 110.
The incidents took place from September to October and appear to have been inspired by social media videos linked to a trend called “Shorinji Racing.”
Some young people told police they did it for fun, and one said they entered twice because the video did not come out well.
False calls can delay responses to real emergencies and put lives at risk, police warned; they said they will continue enforcement.
About 25 young people in Hyogo have been apprehended or given guidance over disruptive acts involving police boxes and emergency calls.
The group included children from the lower grades of elementary school through high school.
Police said the acts took place from September to October and included entering police boxes, shouting “Shōrinji,” scattering juice and calling 110.
Videos of people shouting the word at police boxes or on emergency calls had spread on social media.
Hyogo police warned that such acts could delay responses to emergencies and put lives at risk.
- Who
- About 25 young people, including elementary and high school students, were apprehended or given guidance.
- What
- They allegedly entered police boxes, shouted “Shōrinji,” scattered juice and made emergency calls.
- When
- From September to October 2026.
- Where
- Hyogo Prefecture, Japan.
- Why
- Some said they acted for fun; police said the conduct appeared influenced by videos spreading on social media.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
Hyogo police said disruptive acts involving police boxes and emergency calls occurred during this period.
NHK reported that 25 people had been apprehended or given guidance, including lower-grade elementary school children.
- People involved
- About 25 young people
- Age range
- Lower-grade elementary school pupils to high school students
- Location
- Hyogo Prefecture
- Reported period
- September to October 2026
- Reported acts
- Entering police boxes, scattering juice and making 110 calls
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