15 Injured in Knife and Chemical Attack at Shizuoka Tire Factory

A peaceful afternoon turned into a scene of terror in central Japan. On Dec. 26, at least 15 people were injured when a man armed with a knife and chemical substances went on a rampage at a Yokohama Rubber Co. factory in Mishima, Shizuoka Prefecture.

Planned Violence in the Workplace

According to the Fujisan Nanto Fire Department, the attack began around 4:30 p.m. The suspect, a 38-year-old man, was reportedly wearing what appeared to be a gas mask and carrying a survival knife. Investigators told the Asahi Shimbun that the attacker didn't just use a blade; he also threw a liquid believed to be bleach at workers.

The toll is significant. Eight people suffered stab wounds, with five reported in serious condition. Another seven were treated for chemical exposure. While police arrested the man on suspicion of attempted murder, they haven't yet released a motive for the attack.

Rising Concerns Over Public Safety

It's a shocking incident for a nation where violent crime is exceptionally rare. However, this attack follows a series of high-profile knife incidents in Japan over recent years. As the Shizuoka prefectural police continue their investigation, the community is left questioning the security of even the most routine industrial environments.