Man arrested after stabbing eight and spraying bleach at Yokohama Rubber factory in Mishima, raising safety concerns amid rare violent crimes in Japan.
At least 15 people were injured in a combined knife and bleach attack at a tire factory in central Japan on Friday, authorities said, as police detained the suspect.
The incident occurred at the Yokohama Rubber Company facility in Mishima, Shizuoka Prefecture, west of Tokyo. Eight workers were stabbed by a 38-year-old man, while seven others suffered chemical burns after being sprayed with bleach, according to the Fujisan Nanto Fire Department.
Five of the stabbing victims were reported in serious condition and rushed to local hospitals, officials said. The fire department confirmed that all injured individuals received prompt medical attention, but did not provide further updates on their conditions.
Shizuoka Prefectural Police said the suspect was arrested at the scene for alleged attempted murder. Authorities have not released a motive, and the investigation remains ongoing.
According to the Asahi Shimbun, investigators reported that the suspect carried a survival knife and was wearing a gas mask during the attack. The combination of weapons and chemical agents heightened concern among emergency responders.
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Police officers maintained a presence at the factory while first responders evacuated the injured and secured the area. Officials said there were no other victims and that the facility was cleared following the incident.
Knife attacks in Japan are rare but have drawn attention in recent years due to high-profile incidents at schools, offices, and public spaces. The country’s strict gun control laws contribute to the low incidence of firearm-related crimes, but mass stabbings and assaults using knives or other sharp objects continue to pose challenges for public safety.
Local authorities urged calm and advised residents and workers in the area to follow police guidance while the investigation proceeds. Workplace safety measures are expected to come under review as the incident underscores vulnerabilities in industrial facilities.
The attack in Mishima is the latest in a series of violent incidents that have raised public awareness of security risks in workplaces, despite Japan’s reputation for low crime rates. Investigators are analyzing the suspect’s background and movements leading up to the attack to determine possible motives and prevent similar incidents.
As the investigation continues, officials pledged transparency and assured the public that additional measures would be considered to strengthen safety protocols in factories and other workplaces across Japan.
