
The sound of an ambulance siren could never be considered something pleasant, but it’s not really something the average person hates. It’s annoying, but then again it’s meant to be annoying–and it’s usually part of rescuing someone in need. We may not like it, but we certainly do appreciate it.
So, while most people may cringe and cover their ears when an ambulance goes screeching by, we doubt anyone would actually get mad and try to assault one!
Unless you happen to be this university lecturer…
Last week, 54-year-old Tetsuji Hirayama, a lecturer from Tsukuba University in Ibaraki Prefecturer, was arrested for interfering with public servants in the execution of their duties. Which is a somewhat vague offence that could cover a lot of ground–but in Hirayama’s case it was specifically for assaulting (for lack of a better word) ambulances.
▼Tsukuba City, Ibaraki Prefecture
Over the last six years, since 2008, Hirayama has allegedly interfered with ambulances in Tsukuba City at least 12 times! Nevertheless, it wasn’t until last week that he was finally arrested.
Apparently, Hirayama has yelled at both the paramedics in the ambulances and the vehicles themselves. The lecturer even jumped in front of one ambulance as it was driving down the street. He has also allegedly screamed “Baaaka! Baaaka!” (or “Stuuupid! Stuuupid!”) at the vehicles on university premises and in front of a hospital. The total number of incidences recorded are as follows: twice in both 2008 and 2009, once in 2013, and a total of seven times in 2014 alone.
The lecturer was finally arrested after being caught kicking a parked ambulance.
▼Note the lack of a “Kick me sign.”
As for why Hirayama apparently goes Jack Nicholson in The Shining whenever an ambulance goes by, it turns out that…well, he just really hates the sirens. We can’t help suspecting that there’s a deeper issue–maybe he thinks sirens are actually the screams of trapped spirits?–but what he told police was: “The sirens are loud so I didn’t like ambulances. I just happened to see one stopped, so I kicked it.”
Naturally, Japanese commenters were not impressed with Hirayama.
“How does someone with this little sense get to be a lecturer in a university??”
“Let’s just deport him.”
“All his efforts over the last six years have finally borne fruit!”
“As expected, people who shout ‘stupid’ are the stupid ones.”
“Is he a dog??”
While we can kind of understand how Hirayama might have felt–noisy sirens are, well, noisy–we absolutely cannot understand interfering with an ambulance. It’s almost as bad as people who don’t pull over when driving to let the emergency vehicles pass.
Hopefully someone can help Hirayama deal with this and get him to chill out around ambulances. Maybe he just needs some noise cancelling headphones from Chanel? That could make for a pretty good commercial, now that we’re thinking about it!
Sources: Itai News 2channel, Yomiuri
Top image: Wikipedia (Akiyoshi Matsuoka)



University lecturer calls out his lazy Japanese students, praises his hard-working Chinese ones
English teacher arrested in Japan for smuggling cannabis oil inside hair treatment bottles
Ibaraki Police warn against fake warnings by the police
University of Tokyo lecturer suggests giving cars big cartoon eyes will make them safer
Man arrested for year-long terrorism campaign against manga “Kuroko’s Basketball”
Cherry blossom forecasts map shows Japan’s OTHER sakura season is starting right now
New Studio Ghibli stamps leave an impression on your stationery…and your heart
Japan’s job-quitting service claims bosses contact it to try to make their employees quit
This gigantic judo dojo-sized hotel room will make you feel like royalty, but it’s disappearing soon
Yokai are descending upon Tokyo this spring in the latest immersive art experience
Japanese movie theater chain’s popcorn earns highest Grand Prix quality certification
Studio Ghibli releases new “komorebi” plush toys from Princess Mononoke and Spirited Away
How to dress for summer in Japan: Tips from a rickshaw driver in Asakusa
It’s like the samurai era never ended at this beautiful Japanese mountain town
Spirited Away adds a dash of Ghibli beauty to hanafuda flower cards【Photos】
Japan’s Naruto theme park now offering real-world version of Minato’s kunai ninja weapon
Japan has a new bar just for people thinking about quitting their jobs, and the drinks are free
Japan cherry blossom forecast update moves up sakura dates for many parts of the country
Archfiend Hello Kitty appears as Sanrio launches new team-up with Yu-Gi-Oh【Pics】
Studio Ghibli turns My Neighbour Totoro characters into bag charms for everyday adventures
If you haven’t tried an antenna shop in Japan, you’re missing out
Studio Ghibli releases Spirited Away bags in Japan, based on a mysterious festival
Morning-after pill finally available in Japan without a prescription, must be taken at pharmacy
Starbucks Japan releases new drinkware and goods for Valentine’s Day
Japan releases first official sakura cherry blossom forecast for 2026
10 times to avoid traveling in Japan in 2026
Starbucks Japan releases new Frappuccino and latte for Valentine’s Day
Our 52-year-old pole dancing reporter shares his tips for achieving your New Year’s exercise goal
China’s don’t-go-to-Japan warning looks to be affecting tourist crowds on Miyajima
Ramen restaurant’s English menu prices are nearly double its Japanese ones, denies discriminating
Survey asks foreign tourists what bothered them in Japan, more than half gave same answer
Japan’s human washing machines will go on sale to general public, demos to be held in Tokyo
We deeply regret going into this tunnel on our walk in the mountains of Japan
Studio Ghibli releases Kodama forest spirits from Princess Mononoke to light up your home
Major Japanese hotel chain says reservations via overseas booking sites may not be valid
Put sesame oil in your coffee? Japanese maker says it’s the best way to start your day【Taste test】
No more using real katana for tourism activities, Japan’s National Police Agency says
Starbucks Japan reveals new sakura drinkware collection, inspired by evening cherry blossoms
Updated cherry blossom forecast shows extra-long sakura season for Japan this year
Japanese Criminal Arrested After Visiting Police on the Advice of His Victim
Nanotech professor from one of Japan’s top universities arrested for panty-theft
Japanese police arrest four foreign residents on charges of stealing over 100 cars
British man arrested for biting Japanese police officer during shokumu shitsumon questioning
Two Japanese arrested, suspected of importing forged money, sharing with friends
Japanese teenager tries to look cool for a girl, gets punished by the universe/wild animal
82-year-old Japanese man arrested for driving without license, says he had one 60 years ago
Japanese high school students arrested for robbing pachinko parlour at knife-point
Leave a Reply