Japan's real life Batman

Gotham City may have Batman, but Chiba City in Japan's south-east is now boasting its own equivalent.

Chibatman

Chibatman

Chibatman became an internet sensation recently after a video of him riding along a highway on his trusty Chibatpod in full costume went viral.

But instead of fighting crime, this superhero focuses his efforts on making people smile.

"During the great earthquake people forgot how to smile," he said. "I wanted to help bring them back, and that's why I started."

Chibatman's real name isn't known, but he's said to be a 41-year-old welder whose antics include driving around in a truck dressed as a Star Wars Stormtrooper.

The modified three-wheeled motorcycle that brought much of Chibatman's fame cost around $6,000 to both buy and further modify. 

"It took me around four months to build. If you put your back into it though, it's something that can be done," he said.

Now a superstar in his home town, Chibatman is also inspiring people like 11 year-old Hayama Shinohara.

"I think it's cool how he goes around town dressed as Batman without feeling embarrassed at all," he said.

Even those seeing him for the first time were amazed at how realistic the outfit was.

"He is a bit unusual isn't he? He's definitely very topical right now and so I think it's great," said 35-year-old Hideki Kobayashi, who stopped to take a photo of him. "Everyone around here has been saying that he's quite interesting. I think he's definitely unique."

Chibatman plans to continue making appearances, but so far there's been no confirmation about whether he'll be building a Batmobile.


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2 min read

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Source: Reuters, SBS


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