At Least 15 Injured in Knife and Chemical Attack at Japanese Factory

🔴 At Least 15 Injured in Knife and Chemical Attack at Japanese Factory

Late Friday afternoon, a violent and shocking incident unfolded at a major factory in central Japan, leaving at least 15 people injured in a combined knife and chemical attack — one of the more unusual workplace violence events in recent Japanese history. 

What Happened?

According to emergency services, a man entered the Yokohama Rubber Company factory in the city of Mishima (Shizuoka Prefecture) and began attacking workers with a knife.

• Eight people were stabbed by the suspect and were transported to nearby hospitals. 

• Seven others were injured after being sprayed or doused with what authorities believe was bleach — a household chemical that can cause irritation and burns but is not typically a lethal agent. 

Five of the stabbing victims were reported to be in serious condition, though updates on their recovery remain limited. 

Suspect and Arrest

Shizuoka prefectural police confirmed they arrested a 38‑year‑old man at the factory on suspicion of attempted murder.
As of now:

• His identity has not been publicly released.

• No official motive has been announced.

• Authorities are continuing their investigation.

Scene and Emergency Response

The attack reportedly began around 4:30 PM local time after an emergency call from the factory. 

Emergency responders quickly arrived on site, and multiple victims were sent to hospitals. Local fire department officials described the scene as chaotic as workers sought safety and first aid. 

The factory, known for producing tires and rubber components for automobiles, was secured by police, and nearby areas were briefly cordoned off while authorities conducted their initial investigation.

Chemical Aspect of the Attack

One of the unusual aspects of this incident was the use of a chemical agent — widely reported as bleach — by the suspect:

• The chemical injuries were separate from the stabbing wounds.

• Bleach, while common, can cause respiratory irritation, eye damage, and skin burns when sprayed directly on people.

• Authorities continue to test and verify exactly what substance was used. 

This dual‑method attack — combining edged violence with a chemical irritant — is highly uncommon in Japan and has prompted questions from the public and experts alike about motive and prevention.

📊 Violence in Japan: A Rare Occurrence

Japan is known for having one of the world’s lowest violent crime rates, thanks in part to strict weapon regulations and strong social safety norms. 
Nevertheless, isolated attacks — often involving knives — do occur sporadically, especially in workplaces, public trains, and urban centers. This latest incident adds to that troubling, though rare, trend.

Historical context includes other violent events in Japan, such as:

• The Kyoto Animation arson attack in 2019, one of the worst mass violence incidents in recent times. 

• Past stabbing and acid attacks on public transport. 

However, a combined knife and chemical assault inside a factory remains uncommon.