At least 15 injured in stabbing, chemical spray attack at factory in Japan

At least 15 people were injured on Friday, December 26, 2025, in a violent attack at the Yokohama Rubber Company tyre factory in central Japan. The assailant stabbed several workers and sprayed others with a liquid believed to be a bleach-like substance, authorities and local media said.

Emergency services were alerted at around 4:30 p.m. local time, after reports came in that multiple people had been wounded inside the factory. Eight victims were injured by stabbing, and seven suffered injuries from the chemical liquid that was sprayed, which local sources said appeared to be bleach. All 15 injured were taken to nearby hospitals, with at least five of those stabbed reported to be in serious condition, according to the Fujisan Nanto Fire Department.

Shizuoka prefectural police said the suspect, a 38-year-old man, was arrested at the scene on suspicion of attempted murder, but did not give further details.

He was wearing a gas mask and carrying a survival knife during the attack, the major Japanese newspaper Asahi Shimbun reported, citing investigators.

Authorities did not immediately provide a motive for the attack. Japanese news outlets reported that the suspect may have had some connection to the factory.

Investigations are ongoing, including examinations of the chemical used and the circumstances surrounding the attack.

(With input from agencies)