A blackmail letter threatening to disrupt an event featuring the popular Pokemon character has led its organizer to cancel several shows, officials at Pokemon Company said.

The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) has started investigating the case on suspicion of forcible obstruction of business.

"We thought the safety of our customers is our top priority. We deeply apologize for the cancellation," a company spokesman said.

Pokemon Company, based in Tokyo's Chiyoda-ku, announced it will cancel Pokemon card game events that were slated to be held in Tokyo, Nagoya and Fukuoka between April 12 and 29.

The announcement came after the company received an anonymous letter threatening to disrupt the Pokemon event that was slated to be held in Tokyo on April 12 and 13.

Though the letter only referred to the Tokyo venue, the company decided to also cancel Pokemon events that were scheduled to be held in Nagoya on April 20 and in Fukuoka on April 29.

Source: Mainichi Japan