Japanese pop group AKB48 attacked by slasher at fan event
Two members of Japanese all-girl pop group AKB48 were injured when a saw-wielding man attacked and slashed them at a fan event in the Japanese city of Takizawa in the Iwate prefecture on Sunday, May 25.
The girl group, which has the honour of being named by Guinness World Records as the world's biggest pop group, was at a fan-meet-and-greet event when the attacked occurred.
Reuters quoted Japanese media as saying that they were attacked by a man carrying a 50cm-long saw or hatchet.
The man, described by police as a 24-year-old high school drop out, was arrested on the same day for attempted murder, though no official word has been given as to why he wanted to attack a girl group that is popular for their up-beat routines.
The group members who were attacked, Rina Kawaei,19, and Anna Iriyama, 18, received emergency surgery for cut and broken fingers, with Iriyama also suffering cuts to the face.
(R) Anna Iriyama along with her fellow group member, Rina Kawei (L) were attacked during a fan-meet-and-greet event in Japan.
"The surgery ended successfully and their condition is stable, they should be able to leave hospital tomorrow," said the group's manager.
Shocked members of public
In a country where violent attacks such as these are rare, the attack has naturally shocked the public.
"This sort of thing is unimaginable," one fan told Japanese television. "I'm in shock."
According to the Reuters report, the level of security for the event was low and there were no bag checks at the event.
The brazen and as yet unexplained attack has led to several calls in the Japanese media for tighter security.
Source: Reuters, AFP
Get The New Paper on your phone with the free TNP app. Download from the Apple App Store or Google Play Store now