| Mitsuaki Tanigawa | |
| Criminal Charge: | Multiple counts of theft and trespassing |
| Other Names: | Ninja of Heisei |
| Years Active: | 2009–2017 |
| Conviction Status: | Arrested |
| Locations: | Higashiosaka, Osaka |
| Country: | Japan |
, also known as the,[1] is a Japanese criminal who gained notoriety for a series of burglaries in Osaka, Japan, while wearing a ninja outfit. Operating from March 2009 to June 2017,[1] Tanigawa successfully executed over 250 break-ins.[2] [3] Initially thought to be younger, he was caught in July 2017 at the age of 74. His ninja persona gained significant public interest and was reported by various local and international news outlets at the time.[4]
Tanigawa is known for trespassing and committing general theft in the Osaka area. Prior to committing criminal acts, he would meticulously plan escape routes and execution, notably doing unexpected feats such as navigating tight spaces and running on walls. Tanigawa was known for dressing as if he were a stereotypical ninja.[5] [6] He was rarely caught on surveillance cameras, leading police to suspect local residents of his burglaries.
Tanigawa was arrested in 2017. He had been identified after he removed his face covering in an area visible from a surveillance camera. Shortly after this, he was followed by police officers and was seen entering an abandoned building. Later, when he came out, he was dressed in a ninja costume. Continued surveillance from police and his capture had Tanigawa admit and be charged to over 254 break-ins with the amount stolen being approximately . Tanigawa has stated that he simply did not wish to work, and that he believed or currently believes that if he was a younger man he could have been a robber professionally.[7] [8]