There is a new development in the shocking story of Mao Sugiyama, the 23 year old Tokyo artist who underwent voluntary surgery to become asexual, and then auctioned off the chance for bidders to dine on his genitals, cooked by Sugiyama himself. Having taken place in May, it seems the stunt may have caught up to Sugiyama, as now a criminal complaint has been filed against the artist by Tokyo’s Suginami Ward, the area where the dining event was held. The Metropolitan Police Department is now investigating the artist, who sometimes goes by the nickname HC, as well as those who took part in the event, for possible charges of obscenity.
The criminal complaint was filed by Mayor Tanaka Suginami on June 25th. Tokyo’s Metropolitan Police Department, and their public safety division, had previously questioned Mao Sugiyama, along with the roughly 70 people who attended the night of fine “cuisine.” Five people had met the bidding price of 20,000 yen (approx. $250) each to have Sugiyama cook and serve them a portion of his own penis, scrotum, or testicles. Mayor Suginami stated that the people and residents of the area had been significantly discomforted and disturbed by Sugiyama’s event.
In addition to the criminal complaint based on the public display of obscene materials, the public safety inspectors are looking into possible violations of food sanitation and hygiene laws. When explaining the details of his offer, Sugiyama stated that he had been tested free of any venereal diseases, and the organs had been functioning normally before his operation. The five bidders signed waivers that event planners would not be held responsible for any illnesses, and a professional chef was present to supervise Sugiyama’s cooking. It was understood that the local police had been notified of the event beforehand, but their response was that no crime was being committed.
[Via Sankei News]