In a shocking incident at a tire manufacturing plant in central Japan, fifteen individuals sustained injuries, and a suspect has been apprehended. The violent episode involved both a stabbing spree and a chemical assault.
Authorities report that the 38-year-old suspect attacked eight people with a knife and injured seven others using a substance believed to be bleach. This took place on Friday at a Yokohama Rubber Co. facility located in Mishima, a city to the west of Tokyo.
While the motive behind this alarming event remains unclear, sources close to the investigation, as cited by the Kyodo news agency, suggest that the suspect may be a former employee of the factory.
Additional details from the Asahi newspaper reveal that the suspect was equipped with a survival knife and was seen wearing what seemed to be a gas mask during the attack.
Police officers were stationed at the scene of the crime on Friday, December 26, 2025, as investigators continued their work. This image was captured by Yusuke Hashizume for Kyodo News and distributed by AP.
The Fujisan Nanto Fire Department informed The Associated Press that five of the stabbing victims are currently in serious condition, raising concerns about their recovery and well-being.
Images and video taken at the scene showed first responders swarming the factory.
A police officer stands guard inside the cordon at the Yokohama factory on Friday, Dec. 26, 2025. (Yuichi Yamazaki/AFP via Getty Images)
Shizuoka prefecture police said the attacker was arrested for alleged attempted murder.
Media reports described the stabbing victims as all being conscious while being transported to local hospitals.
Fifteen people were injured in a stabbing and chemical attack in central Japan on Friday, Dec. 26, 2025. (Yuichi Yamazaki/AFP via Getty Images)
The seven others injured by the bleach thrown at them during the attack were hospitalized as well, the fire department said.
