Tokyo Police Hunt Suspect After Chemical Spraying Incident Injures Dozens

More than 20 people were hospitalized in Tokyo after a man allegedly sprayed an unidentified substance inside a luxury shopping complex in the city’s upscale Ginza district, prompting a major emergency response and police investigation.

The incident occurred Monday afternoon at the popular Ginza Six shopping complex, located in central Tokyo. According to local authorities, emergency services received reports of a “pungent smell” followed by people coughing and complaining of throat pain inside the building.

Police said surveillance footage appeared to show a man spraying an unknown substance near an ATM area on the ground floor before fleeing the scene. Authorities are currently searching for the suspect.

The Tokyo Fire Department said around 25 to 26 people reported symptoms including coughing, throat irritation, and breathing discomfort. Most of the victims were transported to hospitals for evaluation, though officials said none were believed to be in life-threatening condition.

Television footage from the area showed fire trucks, ambulances, and emergency workers in hazmat suits surrounding the mall as authorities blocked roads around the busy shopping district.

Investigators have not officially identified the sprayed substance, though some local reports suggested traces resembling pepper spray may have been found at the scene. Authorities have not confirmed the claim publicly.

Witnesses described sudden throat pain and numbness shortly after entering the affected area. One woman told local media her throat “still feels numb and painful” after the incident.

The incident revived memories of Japan’s 1995 Tokyo subway sarin gas attack carried out by the Aum Shinrikyo cult, one of the country’s deadliest domestic terror incidents. However, officials have not indicated any link between the current case and terrorism.

Violent crime remains relatively rare in Japan, making incidents involving chemical substances especially alarming to the public.

Police and fire officials say investigations are ongoing.