Japanese pop group AKB48 cancels fan events after saw-wielding man injures two idols and employee
Saw-wielding man hurts two band members and an employee in unprecedented attack
Japan's hugely popular pop group AKB48 has cancelled fan events after a saw-wielding man attacked two members and an employee, shocking the nation and raising questions over security.
The two women and the male employee who tried to stop the attack on Sunday at a fan event in northern Japan suffered hand and head injuries but are recovering, police and the group's blog say.
The attack on a wildly popular group whose members are dubbed "idols that you can meet" because of their approachable fan services has rattled people in a nation known for its safety levels. The news topped television entertainment shows and even the two nationwide newspapers, and .
On Sunday, the group gave a mini-concert for hundreds of fans and then followed with a handshaking event, in which fans who buy special CDs can shake hands and chat briefly with their favourite member. As soon as the handshaking event in Takizawa city started, a man suddenly took out a saw from his jacket and went towards the two women standing at the entrance.
Police immediately arrested Satoru Umeda, who is 24 and unemployed.
Dozens of AKB48 handshaking events are held in Japan every year. Bouncers - called "peelers" in Japan - are assigned to these events to remove fans who linger, but no major attacks had been previously reported.
