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Artist News Legal
Man questioned over AKB48 attack
By Chris Cooke | Published on Tuesday 27 May 2014
A man is being questioned by police after he attacked members of Japanese pop franchise AKB48 at a fan event on Sunday in Takizawa in northern Japan.
Two members of the girl group and a staff member at the event were injured after the man attacked them with a saw that he had concealed inside his coat. AKB48 members Anna Iriyama and Rina Kawaei reportedly sustained head and hand injuries in the attack, while the staff member also suffered cuts to his hands.
All three received hospital treatment, though have since been discharged, with Kawaei issuing a statement to fans, saying: “We’ve caused you worry, but we are returning to Tokyo now. Thank you very much”.
Although the AKB48 franchise currently has 140 members, with only a small number appearing at any one show or event, a Tokyo concert was cancelled after the attack as have been all forthcoming fan events, possibly while security arrangements are reviewed.
The attacker has been named as 24 year old Satoru Umeta, with police telling AFP yesterday: “We have started questioning the suspect this morning to know details, including his motive”.
