Bandai Namco Entertainment has confirmed that a person who repeatedly sent death threats against its executives, employees and other related individuals through the company’s official website was identified by police and subsequently faced criminal action.
The company announced the development on October 13, 2026, after reporting the threatening messages to law enforcement. According to a report published by Japanese news outlet Otaku Soken on October 16, the threats were submitted through the contact form on Bandai Namco Entertainment’s official website.
The company described the messages as serious threats to the safety of its staff and related individuals, adding that it had taken measures to protect those affected while cooperating with the police investigation.
Bandai Namco Employee Death Threats Led To Police Investigation
According to Bandai Namco Entertainment, the individual repeatedly submitted messages containing death threats through the company’s official Opinions and Requests contact form.
The company determined that the messages constituted serious threats and filed a report with the police. It also implemented measures to protect the safety of its executives, employees and other people connected to the company.
Following an investigation by law enforcement, authorities identified the person responsible. Bandai Namco subsequently confirmed that criminal proceedings had resulted in a criminal disposition against the individual.
The company has not publicly specified the exact punishment imposed or disclosed further details about the individual’s identity.
Bandai Namco Warns Against Harassment And Threats Against Employees
Following the incident, Bandai Namco reiterated its Basic Response Policy Regarding Customer Harassment, which establishes how the company will respond to abusive or threatening behaviour directed at its employees and related parties.
Under the policy, the company reserves the right to refuse or discontinue its services when customers engage in behaviour that exceeds socially acceptable limits while contacting the company or raising concerns about its products, services and creative works.
The policy specifically identifies several types of unacceptable behaviour, including:
- Threats, coercion and intimidation.
- Insults and behaviour that undermines personal dignity.
- Violations of privacy.
- Slander and defamation.
- Excessive demands that go beyond socially acceptable limits.
- Unreasonable demands for apologies or punishment of employees.
- Repeated complaints or demands that unnecessarily detain staff for extended periods.
Bandai Namco also states that it may contact law enforcement or take other appropriate action when it considers a person’s behaviour malicious.
The company said it introduced the policy in response to cases of customer harassment and to help ensure that its employees and related parties can work in a safe environment.
Bandai Namco Thanks Fans For Their Support
Despite the incident, Bandai Namco emphasized that it regularly receives warm and encouraging messages from customers who enjoy its products, services and creative works.
The company stated:
“The voices we receive from everyone are a great source of encouragement for us.”
However, it made clear that threats against employees and other related individuals would be handled under its customer harassment policy.
Bandai Namco added that it would continue to respond firmly to similar behaviour in the future.
Japanese Gaming Companies Are Taking Stronger Action Against Harassment
Bandai Namco’s announcement comes amid broader efforts by Japanese gaming companies to address harassment and threats directed at employees, developers and other people involved in their projects.
Such policies cover more than threats sent through official contact forms. They can also address intimidation, privacy violations, defamation and repeated abusive demands associated with games and other creative works.
Square Enix has also taken action over harassment involving people associated with Final Fantasy XIV. The company reached a settlement with an individual responsible for defamatory posts targeting people connected to the game.
These cases highlight how Japanese gaming companies are increasingly using formal policies and legal action to respond to conduct they consider harmful to their staff.
Bandai Namco has not announced any changes to its games or services as a result of this particular incident. Its latest statement instead focuses on employee safety and its commitment to taking action against malicious harassment. Bookmark Otaku Mantra for more gaming, anime and Japanese pop culture news and updates!
Source: Otaku Soken
