Twins arrested for selling Kamen Rider helmet replicas

Recently, two Japanese twins were arrested for selling replicas of motorcycle helmets. Kamen Rider.

After spotting the helmets of Kamen Rider to be sold online, Toei contacted the Tsukiji Police Department on May 22 to report the unauthorized use of its copyrights and request legal action. The next day, the police arrested the twins.

A NHK revealed that Yoshikazu Nakatani (aged 65) and his twin brother Hisakazu allegedly sold more than 10 million yen ($64,000) worth of helmets Kamen Rider.

A NHK also revealed that the twins sold unofficial replica masks of Ultraman. The brothers admitted to selling on auction sites.

A Toei issued the following statement:

On May 22, 2024, Toei Co., Ltd. reported that people were making unauthorized reproductions of life-size masks from the Kamen Rider franchise, to which this company and Ishimori Productions hold the copyright, and selling them in online auction sites. We would like to inform you that the individuals were arrested by the Tsukiji Police Station on suspicion of violating our copyrights.

Our company will take strict measures against such acts of copyright infringement (whether criminal or civil), will continue to strengthen the protection of all of our copyrights, including Kamen Rider, and will continue to protect the rights of our users, as well as our best to deliver attractive work.