Nintendo has reportedly become the target of another serious security threat in Japan, after police arrested a 27-year-old man accused of sending bomb threats to the company’s headquarters in Kyoto.

According to reports from Japanese authorities, the suspect allegedly claimed that multiple explosives had already been planted around Nintendo’s main office building in Minami Ward, Kyoto City. Police later searched the headquarters and surrounding areas, though investigators ultimately found no evidence of explosives.

Threatening Letters Sent to Nintendo Headquarters

Authorities stated that Nintendo received threatening letters back in March 2026. One envelope reportedly arrived at the company’s Kyoto headquarters on March 13 and contained messages including, “I’m going to blow you all up,” and, “This plan cannot be stopped.”

The threats disrupted Nintendo’s business operations and prompted an immediate security response. Police conducted searches across the area to ensure the safety of employees and nearby facilities.

Reports from Japanese outlet KTV News later stated that the suspect admitted responsibility for sending the letters. Police arrested the man on May 12 on charges connected to obstruction of business.

Police Continue Investigating Motive

At the time of writing, Japanese authorities have not publicly confirmed a motive behind the threats.

Police identified the suspect only as a 27-year-old unemployed man from Hekinan City in Aichi Prefecture. Investigators reportedly continue examining why Nintendo became the target of the threats.

While the incident appears to have been a hoax, authorities treated the situation seriously due to the nature of the messages and the claim that explosives had already been planted around Nintendo’s headquarters.

Nintendo Has Faced Similar Threats Before

Unfortunately, this is not the first time Nintendo has dealt with bomb threats and security concerns.

In 2024, Nintendo canceled the Nintendo Live 2024 Tokyo event and the Splatoon 3 Koshien 2023 National Finals after receiving persistent threats targeting employees and attendees.

A separate 27-year-old suspect later appeared in court in connection with those threats. Prosecutors reportedly pursued a one-year prison sentence after the individual allegedly sent multiple threatening messages through Nintendo’s online feedback systems.

According to previous reports, that suspect claimed frustration with Splatoon 3 and blamed repeated losses on Nintendo’s game design decisions.

Authorities have clarified that the latest Kyoto headquarters threat does not appear connected to the earlier Nintendo Live incident.

Incident Comes During Major Nintendo Switch 2 Developments

The arrest also comes during a significant period for Nintendo as the company prepares for upcoming changes surrounding the Nintendo Switch 2.

Recently, Nintendo announced that the Nintendo Switch 2 would receive a price increase beginning September 1 due to ongoing DRAM shortages and rising component costs. Nintendo President Shuntaro Furukawa also stated that additional pricing adjustments across the Nintendo Switch 2 lineup could happen throughout 2026 and 2027.

Despite the disruption caused by the threats, Nintendo continues development on future Nintendo Switch 2 software and hardware plans despite the bomb threats. Authorities meanwhile continue investigating the case as an ongoing matter.