Dazaifu: A 37-year-old man has been arrested in Japan after confessing to secretly entering over a thousand homes as a way to relieve stress and mental tension. The unusual behavior, which he described as a hobby, came to light after his arrest in the Dazaifu area of southern Japan.
According to the police, the man was detained on Monday after being seen entering a house in the region. A police spokesperson confirmed to AFP that the suspect had admitted to entering homes without permission on numerous occasions.
In an interview with Mainichi Shimbun, the man explained that he found it exhilarating to sneak into other people’s homes. “Breaking into other people’s houses is my hobby,” he said. “I’ve entered over 1,000 homes this way.”
He further shared that the thrill of possibly being caught by the homeowners helped alleviate his mental stress. “I get so excited that my palms sweat as I wonder whether anyone will catch me,” he confessed. “It helps relieve my anxiety.”
Mental stress is a significant concern in Japan, particularly among people aged 40 to 49, with almost 50% of men in this age group reporting stress-related issues. Women in the 30-49 age range are also notably affected by mental tension.
This bizarre case has drawn attention to the growing mental health challenges faced by adults in Japan, where the pressure of daily life continues to take a toll on many.
