Tokyo police have arrested former sumo wrestler Masahiro Sakamoto, known as Tokitsukaze, for using forged parking exemption badges to evade fines for illegal parking. The arrest was confirmed on February 27, 2023, with the incident having occurred on February 5, 2023, when Sakamoto parked illegally on the streets of Ryogoku, Tokyo.
Sakamoto, 51, displayed the forged badges—intended for individuals with disabilities allowing them exemptions from parking regulations—on his car's dashboard. He reportedly confessed to the police, stating, "I borrowed it from a friend and made a color copy." This confession has shed light on the nature of his actions and the frequency of his illegal parking.
According to police, Sakamoto may have been using these forged badges repeatedly. A spokesperson noted, "Multiple forged badges have been confirmed, and we are investigating how he acquired them." The police's investigation is now focused on unraveling the source of these fraudulent materials.
This incident is especially poignant for Sakamoto, who has faced scrutiny over his conduct before. During his time as the stable master of the Tokitsukaze stable, he was subject to disciplinary action from the Japan Sumo Association for violating COVID-19 protocols by leaving Tokyo unnecessarily. This led to his resignation, marking the fall of yet another figure from the sport.
The recent arrest has renewed discussions about the abuse of parking exemption badges. These badges are issued by public safety commissions to assist those with mobility challenges, allowing them to park without penalty. The emergence of forged badges poses issues for municipalities and can complicate enforcement of parking regulations.
These events have uncovered not only Sakamoto's personal struggles but also the broader issue of accessibility and the exploitation of systems meant to protect the needs of the disabled community. The public looks to authorities for solutions to prevent such abuse of trust.
While the situation continues to develop, it serves as a reminder of the responsibilities placed on individuals granted privileges under the law. The incident reflects the reality of oversights within our communities, where the actions of one individual can impact many.