Why were two Americans arrested in Japan over a meme coin stunt?

Japanese authorities alleged two American men entered the enclosure of viral macaque monkey Punch at Ichikawa Zoo to promote a Solana-based meme coin. One reportedly climbed into the enclosure while another allegedly filmed the incident for social media promotion.

What meme coin was being promoted during the Punch monkey incident?

The stunt allegedly promoted Just a Memecoin, a Solana-based meme token. Viral videos linked to the incident helped push the token roughly 35% to 38% higher over the past week.

Who is Punch the monkey and why is it viral?

Punch is a Japanese macaque that became popular online because of its attachment to a stuffed toy and videos shared from the zoo. The monkey’s internet fame later inspired several meme coin projects on the Solana blockchain.

Did the incident harm the monkey or other animals?

According to the zoo, no animals were harmed and no abnormalities were detected after the intrusion. However, officials said the event raised safety concerns and prompted discussions around tighter security measures.

What actions is the zoo taking after the intrusion?

Ichikawa Zoo said it may introduce filming restrictions, increase patrols and install additional intrusion-prevention nets around restricted areas. The zoo also filed a damage report with local police.

Why do meme coins often use viral internet moments?

Meme coins frequently rely on internet culture, viral content and online communities to attract attention and trading activity. Sudden social media exposure can rapidly increase trading volume and market capitalisation, even without strong fundamentals.

How much did Just a Memecoin rise after the stunt?

The token reportedly climbed around 35% to 38% over seven days after videos of the incident spread online. Its market capitalisation rose to nearly $11.9 million during the viral attention cycle.

Cryptocurrency

Image for illustrative purposes only. Not a real photo.

Americans arrested over monkey meme coin stunt

Written by Liezl GambePublished May 20, 2026, 1:30 AM

Two American men were arrested in Japan after allegedly entering the enclosure of viral macaque monkey Punch at a zoo near Tokyo to promote a Solana-based meme coin.

Authorities alleged 24-year-old Reid Jahnai Daysun climbed over the zoo barrier while wearing clothing promoting Just a Memecoin, while 27-year-old Neal Jabahri Duan allegedly filmed the incident.

“Last night, we filed a damage report with the Ichikawa Police Station,”

Said Ichikawa Zoo in a statement posted on X.

The zoo said no animals were harmed during the intrusion but confirmed it was considering stricter countermeasures, including possible filming restrictions, constant patrols and additional intrusion-prevention nets around restricted areas.

Just a Memecoin heavily promoted the incident across social media while also stating users should “respect local laws and never put yourselves, others, or any animals at risk,” alongside a proposed donation of 1 million yen ($6,300) to the zoo.

The publicity helped the token gain roughly 35% to 38% over the past week, lifting its market capitalisation to nearly $11.9 million after viral videos from the stunt generated millions of views online.

A separate Solana-based token tied directly to Punch the monkey, PUNCH, previously surged above a $43 million market capitalisation during the animal’s earlier viral popularity before later falling back to roughly $2.35 million.

At the time of reporting, Solana price was $84.25.