Man crossing Taiwan in samurai outfit questioned by police over sword

New Taipei, Dec. 22 (CNA) A man walking across Taiwan in a samurai costume was questioned by police near Jiufen on Monday due to concerns about his sword, as the public remain on edge following a mass stabbing in Taipei last Friday.

The New Taipei Police Department received a call on Tuesday afternoon about the 22-year-old man, surnamed Chen (陳), after he was seen walking on a mountain road near Jiufen, a popular tourist town.

The man was dressed in "kendo lantern pants" and a straw hat, holding a gourd-shaped water bottle, and had what appeared to be a samurai sword slung across his back, police said.

Seven officers dispatched to the scene surrounded and approached Chen, who readily submitted to questioning. He was found to be carrying a 60-centimeter sword, which had an unsharpened blade but was pointy at the tip, police said.

Police took Chen to Ruifang Police Station, where he explained that he was simply interested in Japanese samurai culture, and did not intend to hurt anyone.

Chen explained that he set out from Tainan last month on a walk around Taiwan, and had already passed through Kaohsiung, Pingtung, Taitung, Hualien and Yilan without any trouble, before arriving in Juifen last Friday.

At 11 a.m. Monday, Chen said, he checked out from his Jiufen hotel to continue his journey, only to be picked up soon after by the police.

Chen said he had purchased his sword -- which was sent to be examined as evidence -- for ¥26,000 (US$165) on a trip to Kyoto last year.

Police said that by openly carrying a dangerous item, Chen's actions were enough to cause public panic.

After questioning, he was referred to the Keelung District Prosecutors Office to be investigated for offenses against public safety, police said.