News Desk, the-news24.com: Around 20 people were injured after a man allegedly sprayed an unknown substance inside a luxury shopping complex in central Tokyo on Monday, prompting an emergency response from police, firefighters and hazmat teams.
The incident happened at the Ginza 6 Shopping Center, located in Tokyo’s upscale Ginza district, one of Japan’s most famous shopping and tourist areas.
Substance Sprayed Near ATM Area
According to police, a man sprayed a substance near an ATM on the ground floor of the shopping complex. Local fire department officials said they received a report of a strong smell inside the building.
Emergency teams quickly arrived at the scene and treated people who complained of discomfort, including throat irritation and stinging sensations.
About 20 People Injured
Authorities said around 20 people were injured in the incident. Public broadcaster NHK reported that the injuries appeared to be light.
An elderly woman who was inside the mall said her throat began “stinging and hurting” as she approached the ATM area. She described feeling a scratchy and numb sensation after entering the ATM corner.
Emergency Teams Respond
The road in front of the mall was blocked after the incident, while fire trucks and emergency personnel lined the street. Firefighters and officials wearing protective hazmat suits were seen assisting people from the mall and examining them in special emergency vehicles.
At least two people were seen being taken away on stretchers and placed into an ambulance.
Shoppers Continued Using Side Entrances
Despite the emergency response, some shoppers continued entering and leaving the building through side entrances. Police and firefighters remained at the scene while authorities worked to determine what substance had been sprayed.
Officials said the cause of the incident remains under investigation.
Incident Raises Public Safety Concerns
Violent crime is relatively rare in Japan, which has strict gun laws and a low murder rate. However, unusual public attacks involving knives, liquids or chemical substances have occasionally shocked the country.
The Tokyo spraying incident reminded many people of past public safety scares in Japan, including attacks involving unknown liquids and the deadly 1995 Tokyo subway sarin attack carried out by the Aum Shinrikyo cult.
Ginza District Draws Tourists and Luxury Shoppers
Ginza is one of Tokyo’s most prestigious shopping districts, known for luxury brands, department stores, restaurants and international visitors. Any emergency in the area quickly attracts public attention because of its high foot traffic and major commercial importance.
The Ginza 6 mall is one of the area’s major shopping destinations, housing luxury fashion, lifestyle and dining outlets.
Investigation Continues
Police are investigating who was responsible for spraying the substance and whether the act was intentional. Authorities have not yet publicly confirmed the exact substance involved or the motive behind the incident.
Emergency officials are expected to continue examining the scene and reviewing witness accounts as part of the investigation.
Conclusion
The spraying incident at Tokyo’s Ginza 6 Shopping Center left around 20 people injured, most with apparently minor symptoms. While the incident caused alarm in one of Japan’s busiest luxury shopping areas, authorities said the investigation is still ongoing.
Police and fire officials are working to identify the substance, determine the motive and ensure public safety in the area.
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May 25, 2026
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