CHIKUSHINO, Fukuoka — Eight teenage boys and girls in Fukuoka Prefecture have been arrested and referred to prosecutors over suspected group reckless riding on small motorcycles, police stated May 20.
The teens, aged 16 and 17, reportedly called the 110 police emergency line themselves before riding dangerously, and were quoted as telling investigators, “We wanted to enjoy being chased by patrol cars and called the police to lure them out.”
According to Fukuoka Prefectural Police’s Chikushino Police Station, five members rode three light motorbikes side by side on a prefectural road in Chikushino on Sept. 12, 2025, crossing into oncoming lanes and ignoring traffic signals. The next day, seven members rode six motorcycles in a similar manner.
Police said that after receiving a 110 call from some members of the group on Sept. 12, patrol cars pursued the riders but lost sight of them. Surveillance camera footage later led investigators to identify the teens, and two male high school students were arrested on March 5, 2026. Papers were subsequently sent to prosecutors for the remaining six. Some members also face allegations of riding without a license.
“Reckless riding on public roads is dangerous. We urge everyone to drive safely,” police said.
Fukuoka Prefectural Police Headquarters
The Fukuoka Prefectural Police Headquarters is the central law enforcement agency for Fukuoka Prefecture, Japan, responsible for maintaining public safety and order. Its modern headquarters building, located in Hakata-ku, Fukuoka City, was established to replace older facilities and improve operational efficiency. The police force has a history dating back to the Meiji era, evolving from early local patrol systems to a comprehensive prefectural organization.
Hakata Ward
Hakata Ward is a historic district in Fukuoka City, Japan, known for its ancient role as a key port for trade with China and Korea. It is home to the famous Hakata Gion Yamakasa festival and the historic Kushida Shrine, which dates back to 757 AD. Today, it blends traditional culture with modern urban life, featuring landmarks like the Hakata Machiya Folk Museum and the bustling Canal City shopping complex.
Chikushino Police Station
The Chikushino Police Station is a local law enforcement facility located in Chikushino City, Fukuoka Prefecture, Japan. It serves the community by maintaining public safety and order in the area, which has developed from a historical post-town along the ancient Chikugo Road. While the station itself is a modern institution, it operates within a region known for its cultural heritage and growth as a suburban center of Fukuoka.
Chikushino
Chikushino is a city located in Fukuoka Prefecture, Japan, with a history deeply tied to the ancient province of Chikuzen. It flourished as a key post town on the Chikugokaido road during the Edo period and is known for its historical temples, such as the Tsukuyomi Shrine, and its cultural connection to the nearby Dazaifu Tenmangu Shrine. Today, Chikushino blends its rich heritage with modern suburban life, offering visitors a glimpse into Japan’s feudal past alongside contemporary amenities.
<div class="my-4 p-4 rounded-lg shadow-md bg-blue-50 border-l-4 border-blue-400
Fukuoka Prefectural Police Headquarters
The Fukuoka Prefectural Police Headquarters is the central law enforcement agency for Fukuoka Prefecture, Japan, overseeing public safety and crime prevention. Located in the city of Fukuoka, the headquarters has a modern history tied to the region’s post-war reconstruction and urbanization. It plays a key role in maintaining order in one of Japan’s most dynamic metropolitan areas, including the popular tourist destination of Hakata.
Hakata Ward
Hakata Ward is a historic district in Fukuoka, Japan, known for its vibrant culture and ancient roots as a key port for trade with China and Korea. It is home to the famous Hakata Gion Yamakasa festival and historic landmarks like the Kushida Shrine, which dates back to the 8th century. Today, it blends traditional crafts, such as Hakata-ori textiles, with modern urban development.
Kushida Shrine
Kushida Shrine, located in the heart of Fukuoka, Japan, is a historic Shinto shrine founded in 757. It is best known as the home of the Hakata Gion Yamakasa Festival, a vibrant summer event with over 700 years of tradition. The shrine also enshrines the guardian deity of the area and features a famous large ginkgo tree planted over 1,000 years ago.
Hakata Machiya Folk Museum
The Hakata Machiya Folk Museum in Fukuoka, Japan, preserves and showcases the traditional lifestyle and culture of the Hakata district from the Meiji to Showa periods. Housed in a beautifully restored early 20th-century townhouse (machiya), the museum features period artifacts, tools, and exhibits that highlight local crafts, festivals, and daily life. It offers visitors an immersive glimpse into Hakata’s history and architectural heritage.
Canal City
Canal City is a large-scale shopping and entertainment complex in Fukuoka, Japan, known for its distinctive architecture featuring a winding canal that runs through the center. Opened in 1996 and designed by American architect Jon Jerde, the complex was built on reclaimed land from Hakata Bay and incorporates a theme of water and movement to create a vibrant urban space. It hosts numerous shops, restaurants, theaters, and a hotel, making it a major cultural and tourist hub that celebrates both modern design and community interaction.
Chikushino Police Station
The Chikushino Police Station is a local law enforcement facility located in Chikushino City, Fukuoka Prefecture, Japan. While it does not have a prominent historical significance as a cultural site, it serves as a modern police station that ensures public safety and order in the region. The station reflects the area’s development and administrative structure, operating under the Fukuoka Prefectural Police.
Chikushino
Chikushino is a city in Fukuoka Prefecture, Japan, with a history deeply tied to the ancient province of Chikushi. Historically, it was a key area for trade and cultural exchange with the Asian continent, and it is home to several important archaeological sites and temples. Today, Chikushino blends its historical heritage with modern suburban life, offering visitors a glimpse into Japan’s past alongside contemporary conveniences.
Dazaifu Tenmangu Shrine
Dazaifu Tenmangu Shrine is a Shinto shrine in Fukuoka, Japan, dedicated to the scholar and poet Sugawara no Michizane, who is revered as the god of learning. Built in 905 AD after his exile and death, the shrine’s history is tied to the legend that his spirit caused disasters until it was appeased. Today, it is a popular destination for students praying for academic success, and it features a distinctive main hall and a famous plum tree said to have flown from Kyoto to be with Michizane.
