7 dead in stabbing spree in downtown Tokyo

[Odin's Hand]

7 dead in stabbing spree in downtown Tokyo

By SHINO YUASA, Associated Press Writer
1 hour, 59 minutes ago
 
TOKYO - A man who police said "was tired of life" drove into a crowd of pedestrians Sunday and then went on a stabbing rampage in Tokyo's top electronics and video game district, killing seven people and wounding 10, authorities said.

The deadly lunchtime assault paralyzed the Akihabara neighborhood, which is wildly popular among the country's youth. The killings were the latest in a series of grisly knife attacks that have stoked fears of rising crime in Japan.

A 25-year-old man, Tomohiro Kato, was apprehended in the attack, authorities said.

"The suspect told police that he came to Akihabara to kill people," said Jiro Akaogi, a spokesman for the Tokyo Metropolitan Police Department. "He said he was tired of life. He said he was sick of everything."

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[Randy]

What is it with the Japanese and their insane fascination with knives? For generations there has been a virtual bloodbath because of this polished steel on a rampage. I say ban all knives there. Anything over exacto size has no real reason for existance. Meat can be cut with bamboo.
/liberal mindset

[Chris_]

Japanese firearm laws are insanely prohibitive. A gun permit in Tokyo gives the government permission to enter and search your home with no prior notice. 

[Wretched Excess]

Japanese firearm laws are insanely prohibitive. A gun permit in Tokyo gives the government permission to enter and search your home with no prior notice. 

I thought firearms were prohibited, period (?)

[Chris_]

Japanese firearm laws are insanely prohibitive. A gun permit in Tokyo gives the government permission to enter and search your home with no prior notice. 

I thought firearms were prohibited, period (?)

They are for the most part.  There are a few small concessions that allow ownership.

[Odin's Hand]

Japanese firearm laws are insanely prohibitive. A gun permit in Tokyo gives the government permission to enter and search your home with no prior notice. 

Yep, and it shows the body-count can reach high levels no matter what instruments are used to kill.

[Ptarmigan]

A knife is more effective than a gun at close range.

[Chris_]

What is it with the Japanese and their insane fascination with knives? For generations there has been a virtual bloodbath because of this polished steel on a rampage. I say ban all knives there. Anything over exacto size has no real reason for existance. Meat can be cut with bamboo.
/liberal mindset

When Knives are outlawed, only outlaws will have knives...

[Thor]

The common table knife was developed as a means to prevent guests from stabbing each other many centuries ago. England just recently banned knives, such as pocket knives, swords or anything with a sharp point because of all of the harm done by criminals with knives. If y'all recall, Japan even outlawed the carrying of Samurai swords at one time, thereby criminalizing any of the 'warrior class". The Japanese then resorted to empty hand fighting or using garden implements, such as the Sai for weapons or self defense. Sorry, no matter WHAT laws are put in place, criminals will still find a means to kill. Hell, with England having some very strict gun and knife laws, criminals STILL use them. It just goes to show that criminals just have no regards for ANY laws.