At least 15 people were injured in a violent attack at Yokohama Rubber Company's tire factory in central Japan yesterday, December 26, 2025, marking one of the country's most severe workplace incidents this year. Authorities confirmed the assailant used both a survival knife and a bleach-like chemical spray during the assault.
The attack occurred at approximately 4:30 p.m. local time, with emergency services responding to reports of multiple casualties. Eight victims sustained stab wounds, while seven others suffered chemical exposure injuries. Five stabbing victims remain in serious condition as of today, according to the Fujisan Nanto Fire Department.
Shizuoka police arrested a 38-year-old male suspect at the scene on attempted murder charges. Witnesses described the attacker wearing a gas mask and wielding a large blade, as reported by the Asahi Shimbun. While authorities have not disclosed a motive, preliminary investigations suggest the suspect may have had prior connections to the manufacturing facility.
Forensic teams are currently analyzing the chemical substance used in the attack and reviewing factory security protocols. The incident has sparked renewed discussions about workplace safety measures in Japan's industrial sector, particularly regarding emergency response systems in large-scale manufacturing plants.
