Mexico's mystery airport dweller

How did a Japanese man become a Mexican celebrity? Did he write a hit single, marry a supermodel, or win a reality show? No – he’s just been living in the food court of Mexico City's international airport for the past two months. The story, fai

Sleeping on a chair in the food court and surviving on the food that passengers and venders give him, Nohara still can't explain what his reason is for living in the airport or why his stay is so long.

“I do not understand why I am here,” he told a local TV station with the help of an interpreter. “I don't have any reason”.

The Mexican government, from its part, doesn't have any reason not to let the Japanese airport-resident to continue his stay. Nohara holds a valid visa and, technically, spending such a long time in the airport is not illegal. All the Mexican authorities can do is wait for Nohara's documents to expire in March and take further action then.

For now, the Japanese character has become the main attraction of the airport. He is regularly featured on local television. Vendors keen to advertise their products sometimes give Nohara food and drink to guarantee some free advertising. And, despite giving autographs, posing for pictures and answering journalists' endless questions, the mystery-man does not enjoy all the attention. He shies away from any extra comments and points out that he simply wants to be left alone.

However, the airport-dweller's appearance is beginning to be an issue of concern for the airport staff. After three months of living rough, Nohara is in a desperate need of a shower and his increasingly worn clothes are in a dire need of a wash. People using the food court have complained about his smell. Nohara, however, does not seem to be disturbed by these comments and points out that he was much happier when he wasn't in the media spotlight.