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ABC News
ABC News
National
By North Asia correspondent Jake Sturmer in Tokyo

Australian arrested over alleged Tokyo train graffiti attack

An Australian man has been arrested at a Japanese airport over a graffiti attack on subway trains in the country, with police officers finding several spray cans and marker pens in his possession.

Police allege Paul Han, 27, broke into a train yard in the Bunkyo ward of Tokyo on February 19 last year and graffitied trains for more than an hour and a half.

Officers say they are investigating whether Mr Han was involved in as many as 30 other graffiti attacks on trains in Japan.

He was arrested at Narita Airport on Wednesday. Police believe he was planning to graffiti again.

Police officers found boltcutters, a head torch, binoculars, six GoPro cameras and several other cameras in Mr Han's possession.

He has been charged with damage to buildings and property, which carries a maximum three-year jail term.

Graffiti is rare in Japan, as the street art is considered taboo and culturally unacceptable.

This video of a graffiti attack on trains in Tokyo posted in 2016 drew very critical comments from Japanese people.

Officers say Mr Han told them he denied the charges.

The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade said it was aware of the reports and was prepared to offer consular assistance as required.

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