An unidentified man sprayed an irritant substance inside the Ginza SIX shopping complex in Tokyo on Monday, causing several visitors to fall ill.
The incident highlights security vulnerabilities in high-traffic commercial hubs, where a single individual can quickly cause mass panic and physical distress among hundreds of shoppers.
Emergency services responded to reports around 12 p.m. [1] after an irritant was released near the lobby of the Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corp branch [2]. Callers to the 110 emergency line reported a pungent smell in the bank lobby and noted that people were coughing [3].
Reports indicate that 25 people felt unwell following the incident [1]. Symptoms included coughing, sore throats, and headaches [2]. One witness said to Oricon that the substance had no color or smell, but caused sudden throat pain and coughing after they approached within five meters [3].
Police said that security camera footage shows a man spraying the substance before leaving the scene [3]. Authorities are currently searching for the individual, though a motive for the attack has not been disclosed [2].
The spray resembled tear gas or a similar irritant [2]. First responders focused on clearing the affected area and treating those who experienced respiratory distress. The commercial complex, one of Tokyo's most prominent luxury shopping destinations, saw a surge of emergency personnel as police worked to secure the perimeter and review surveillance data [2].
“"In the Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corp lobby, there is a pungent smell, and everyone is coughing."”
This incident underscores the challenges of policing open-access commercial spaces in Tokyo, where the use of non-lethal but disruptive chemical irritants can cause significant public alarm and medical emergencies without the need for traditional weaponry.
