News

AKB48 Idols Anna Iriyama, Rina Kawaei Attacked at Fan Event

A man wielding a saw attacked Rina Kawaei (pictured right) at a handshake event in Takizawa, Iwate Prefecture on Sunday. The performers and one male staff member received non-life-threatening injuries.

At about 5:00 p.m. a man with a saw started behaving violently at the event and police were notified. Iwate Prefectural Police arrested the unemployed 24-year-old man from Towada, Aomori Prefecture under a charge of attempted murder. According to police, the man itted to the charge.

The three injured were transported to the hospital with hand wounds. Many AKB48 including Minami Takahashi were present at the event that began at the Iwate Industry Culture and Convention Center at 1:00 p.m. Attendees' bags were not checked as they entered. Event sponsors and Iwate Prefectural Police are investigating the incident.

Iriyama is set to make her acting features Iriyama.

Thanks to Chad Stephenson for the news tip

Sources: Nikkan Sports, Yahoo! Japan, The Asahi Shimbun