In brief
Late Monday, a spray of an irritant containing capsaicin was launched at a cash‑machine in the ground‑floor lobby of Tokyo’s Ginza 6 mall. The attack left dozens of shoppers experiencing severe throat irritation, and the police estimated 19 people were taken to city hospitals. Officials are still searching for the suspect while the mall is sealed off to keep the chemical under control.
At less than 9 p.m. last Monday, a sudden, strong scent swirled through the lobby of Ginza 6, one of Tokyo’s most frequented luxury shopping complexes. Shocked shoppers ran to the ATM turnstile, where a burst of pungent smoke revealed itself to be a chemical irritant. Police spokesman Hidetoshi Tanaka confirmed that the substance, likely a capsaicin compound found in chili peppers, had been sprayed in the area and that the suspect remains at large.In the immediate aftermath, emergency crews—including police, firefighters and ambulance teams—rushed to the scene. Trained haz‑mat specialists handled the area, photographing the cordoned-off building while pushing evacuees out of the mall through fire lanes. Over 150 people were ushered out; 19 were taken to hospitals for treatment of throat burns and respiratory distress.A 70‑year‑old woman told AFP that as she approached the ATM, the spray made her throat feel “stinging and numb.” She captured the chaos on her phone, describing the scene as “what could have been a small fire.” The incident was announced to emergency radio networks two minutes after the spray, and the road directly in front of the mall was blocked to prevent further exposure.Police are investigating the motive behind the attack, following reports of a man, later spotted by CCTV, walking toward the cash‑machine bearing a capsaicin‑infused spray bottle. The suspect’s last known whereabouts remain unknown. Authorities urge anyone with additional footage or information about the incident to contact the Tokyo police.The incident highlights the need for stringent chemical safety checks in public venues and quick emergency response protocols. It also sparks calls from local business owners for more robust security measures to protect both shoppers and the high‑value assets within luxury malls.As of now, investigations are ongoing, and Ginza 6 remains closed while authorities sweep the building for any remaining hazards. Victims are expected to recover, but police thank the emergency teams for their rapid deployment and urge the public to stay calm as the city works to restore normal order.
