OSAKA -- Police have sent to prosecutors papers regarding a 60-year-old embroidery artist who is suspected of helping several biker groups violate the Road Traffic Law.
His crime? Sewing.
The man has been sewing designs on bikers' uniforms for about 10 years, and his work has become highly regarded by the local motorcycle enthusiasts. According to police, however, the art is considered a violation of the law because it helps the bikers do what they like to do best -- ride en masse.
The sewer reportedly received an order to decorate three uniforms from the 18-year-old leader of the Inaho (Rice Ear) Society, a biker group from Takatsuki, Osaka Prefecture, sometime between last August and September. The uniforms were used by the group in a mass ride commemorating the retirement of its leader, and some 150 bikers from eight groups turned out for the event last Sept., roaring down Route 171 and Osaka's Midosuji Boulevard.
Afterward, Osaka Prefectural Police arrested 10 leaders and other participants in the event on suspicion of violating the Road Traffic Law. In addition, police questioned 93 suspected violators and impounded 63 of the bikers' embroidered uniforms.