TOKYO — Two passengers were injured in a knife attack on a Tokyo subway train during Wednesday evening rush hour, prompting a swift police response and temporary suspension of train services.
The incident occurred as the train pulled into a station on the Tokyo Metro line. According to Tokyo Metropolitan Police, a 43-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of attempted murder after he allegedly slashed two fellow passengers with a knife.
Authorities say a man in his 20s was wounded in the head while boarding the subway car. A second passenger, in his 30s, suffered a cut to his finger as he and others subdued the attacker. Both victims were conscious, and their injuries are not believed to be life-threatening.
Public broadcaster NHK reported that a witness saw the suspect holding a knife inside the train but noted he offered no resistance when confronted by passengers. One of the victims, visibly bleeding and collapsed on the floor, reportedly asked for an ambulance as the train came to a stop.
Train services were temporarily suspended for inspection of the affected subway cars, according to Tokyo Metro Co.
While Japan remains one of the world’s safest countries, recent years have seen a rise in random, often unprovoked attacks in public spaces involving knives or improvised weapons — a trend that has drawn increased concern from both authorities and the public.
Investigators have not yet determined the suspect’s motive.
