Stabbing Attack at Nagano Train Station Leaves One Dead and Two Injured

A tragic incident unfolded at the JR Nagano Station in central Japan, where a man was fatally stabbed and two others sustained injuries during what authorities believe to be a random attack. The assault happened around 8pm local time on Wednesday, as the suspect, described as a middle-aged man of slim build, used a blade-like weapon to target three individuals waiting for a bus.

One victim, identified as 49-year-old Hiroyuki Maruyama, suffered stab wounds to the abdomen and went into cardiac arrest shortly after being transported to the hospital, where he was pronounced dead. A 37-year-old man was injured but remained conscious, while a 46-year-old woman injured her head while trying to escape the scene. Witnesses reported that the assailant appeared to be searching for new targets immediately after the attack, heightening fears among those present.

Following the incident, police have intensified their search for the suspect, and a dedicated hotline has been set up in Nagano for tips regarding his location. The incident has raised concerns about public safety as Japan has experienced an increase in random knife attacks recently, leading to initiatives like the introduction of blade-resistant umbrellas on public transportation to protect passengers. These newly designed umbrellas feature reinforced canopies and thicker handles for improved defense against potential assaults.