Fifteen people have been wounded following a violent assault at a major tyre manufacturing plant in Japan, involving both a knife and a corrosive chemical.
Details of the Factory Attack
The incident occurred on Saturday 27 December 2025 at the Yokohama Rubber Company's Mishima Plant, located in Shizuoka prefecture to the west of Tokyo. According to local fire services, the assailant, armed with a knife, stabbed eight individuals. Five of those stabbed are reported to be in a serious condition.
In a further escalation, the attacker also threw bleach at other workers during the assault. The fire department confirmed that seven additional people sustained injuries from the chemical and required hospital treatment. All victims were conscious when transported for medical care.
Arrest and Investigation
Police swiftly arrested a 38-year-old man at the scene on suspicion of attempted murder. While the precise motive remains under investigation, Japanese media, citing sources, report that the suspect is believed to be a former employee of the factory.
Reports from the Asahi newspaper, citing investigators, state the man was carrying a survival knife and was wearing an item resembling a gas mask during the attack.
Context of Violence in Japan
This shocking event stands out in a nation known for its low rates of violent crime and stringent gun control laws. However, Japan has witnessed several high-profile knife attacks in recent years, highlighting a persistent, if rare, form of public violence. The attack on the Yokohama Rubber factory marks a severe and unusual incident combining multiple methods of assault within an industrial workplace.
