Tear Gas-Like Substance Sprayed at Shibuya Hikarie Restaurant Floor, Several Injured

Around 1:30 PM on the 23rd, an incident occurred where a tear gas-like substance was sprayed on a restaurant floor of Shibuya Hikarie, a large-scale commercial complex in Shibuya Ward, Tokyo. As a result, many visitors reported pain in their eyes and nose, and throat discomfort, with a maximum of 17 to 18 people reporting feeling unwell. According to the Tokyo Fire Department, several individuals were transported to the hospital, but all were conscious and their lives are not in danger.

The incident is believed to have primarily taken place in areas lined with restaurants on the 6th and 7th floors, as well as near a resting space. The scene was temporarily chaotic, with many shoppers and facility users expressing fear and anxiety.

The Metropolitan Police Department arrested a man in his 40s at the scene on suspicion of assault. In questioning, the man reportedly stated, "I got into an argument with an unfamiliar man over a chair in the resting space, debating whether 'our bodies bumped or not.' I lost my temper and impulsively sprayed it."

This sudden incident at a popular commercial facility, involving an unspecified number of people, highlighted once again the importance of safety measures in public spaces and individual anger management. The Metropolitan Police Department is investigating the detailed circumstances of the incident, and the facility may be required to review its future security arrangements.

The context

Shibuya Hikarie is a prominent 34-story skyscraper complex located in Shibuya, Tokyo, directly connected to Shibuya Station. Opened in 2012, it is a major landmark and a key component of the Shibuya redevelopment project. The complex houses a diverse range of facilities, including office spaces, a large theater (Tokyu Theatre Orb), and numerous retail shops and restaurant floors, attracting a large number of commuters, shoppers, and tourists daily. Its strategic location and diverse offerings make it a high-traffic area, emphasizing the impact of any security incident within its premises.