crime

3 stabbed in drunken brawl between Japanese, non-Japanese outside station

59 Comments

Three people were stabbed in a drunken brawl in front of Nishi-Kawaguchi Station in Saitama Prefecture, police said Monday.

The incident began at around 10 p.m. on Sunday, when a group of around 10 non-Japanese, believed to be of Asian extraction, became embroiled in an argument with a group of Japanese people in front of the station, Fuji TV quoted police as saying. The quarrel escalated into a fight in which one of the non-Japanese group allegedly injured three of the Japanese with a bladed weapon. Police arrested several of the brawlers.

According to police, both groups are believed to have been drinking alcohol at the time of the incident.

The injured trio were taken to hospital for treatment where doctors said their lives were not in danger.

© Japan Today

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59 Comments
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Way to be the better man there "non- Japanese group"

0 ( +8 / -7 )

if I have to guess, mmm, non japanese group?, two come to mind very quickly, mmmm recent part of bad events....mmm... media trying to keep it quiet....mmmm... the world may never know

0 ( +7 / -6 )

Chinese or Koreans?

5 ( +14 / -9 )

I wasn't there so I shouldn't judge, but I've seen fights between such groups and Japanese late at night, and without fail, the Japanese started it.

4 ( +26 / -21 )

"one of the non-japanese group" means there were more than one group?

According to police, both groups are believed to have been drinking alcohol at the time of the incident.

Yeah, that's what a drunken brawl means.

15 ( +19 / -4 )

For those not familiar with the area, that's the seedy / red light area of Kawaguchi.

9 ( +9 / -1 )

Why not just say there was a drunken brawl. Does race always need to matter?

10 ( +19 / -8 )

Matthew Simon - unfortunately, yes, race does matter. If there was a big brawl in New York, imagine how differently it would be treated, not just in the media but in everyone's minds, if it was between a group of black guys and white guys, or if they were all the same race.

6 ( +13 / -7 )

borax: Matthew Simon - unfortunately, yes, race does matter.

Why?

If there was a big brawl in New York, imagine how differently it would be treated, not just in the media but in everyone's minds,...

1) What's your point? 2) You can't possibly begin to know what goes on in "everyone's" minds so please just speak for yourself.

-18 ( +8 / -25 )

Everyone going out for a good time. There is no reason to bring along bladed weapon unless one believe it is not safe or has intention of getting into a fight.

8 ( +10 / -3 )

Why not just say there was a drunken brawl. Does race always need to matter?

It matters if the argument was racially motivated. In most places the police would say one way or another, although to be honest I doubt this would even make the local news in a lot of places.

Anyway, why complain about too much information in a news headline? Its not like its too difficult to read or anything.

6 ( +8 / -2 )

davetrousers: It matters if the argument was racially motivated.

No where in this particular story does it say that the argument was racially motivated.

Anyway, why complain about too much information in a news headline? Its not like its too difficult to read or anything.

I don't think Matthew Simon's complaint is about there being too much information or the difficulty of reading but that mentioning that the brawl was between Japanese and non-Japanese is not relevant information, at least not according to the story. All I got from the story is that some drunken idiots got into a fight and happened to be Japanese and non-Japanese. Headlines like this, that don't follow with relevant information, just tend to contribute to that "us vs. them" mentality that is far to prevalent here.

Mr. Simon, please feel free to correct me if I've misrepresented your complaint.

6 ( +13 / -7 )

Headlines like this, that don't follow with relevant information, just tend to contribute to that "us vs. them" mentality that is far to prevalent here.

Agreed, but the Japanese media isn't exactly filled with a bunch of Edward Murrows. The Japanese news story I read referred to the "non-Japanese group" as 中国人とみられるグループ. I'm guessing even JT had more integrity (!!) than the journalist that wrote this, and translated it as "non-Japanese." Could be wrong though, maybe I read a different source. Either way, can you imagine any respectable news outlet referring to a group as "Chinese-looking"?

0 ( +7 / -7 )

combinibento: Agreed, but the Japanese media isn't exactly filled with a bunch of Edward Murrows.

But surely there are enough fair-minded staff writing here that actually know better and don't have to be Edward R. Murrows or Pulitzer Prize winners in order to better the quality and lower the provocation level just a bit.

-3 ( +4 / -7 )

combini,

Oh, brother, where d'you read that?

In Japan I am sure it matters where potential trouble makers are from. Makes the locals feel good about themselves. Also, this news makes Saitama once again sound like a really nice place... :-/

-1 ( +6 / -7 )

@ambrosia

Headlines like this, that don't follow with relevant information, just tend to contribute to that "us vs. them" mentality that is far to prevalent here.

Best comment I've read in a long time. Thank you.

6 ( +8 / -2 )

Your Japanese needs work. と見られる means presumed to be, not literally looks like.

7 ( +11 / -4 )

Knox Harrington: In Japan I am sure it matters where potential trouble makers are from. Makes the locals feel good about themselves

You may or may not be right but there is no reason this site has to give in to that kind of mentality.

-4 ( +5 / -9 )

ambrosia

mentioning that the brawl was between Japanese and non-Japanese is not relevant information

Why is it irrelevant?

7 ( +9 / -2 )

The news is the same for other sites, they refer to the group as Asian group of foreigners vs 7 Japanese in a brawl.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JmH1kPgHoNI

3 ( +3 / -0 )

People have the right to know what is going on in the world. Politically correct people want to hide some of the facts believing hiding information will make the matter better handled. When they say “the information on race is irrelevant”, they do not really mean it, but rather think hiding truth is better. When they think revealing the truth is better, they say “the information on race is relevant.” I hope American “political correctness” will not land on Japan.

9 ( +15 / -6 )

CH3CHO: Politically correct people want to hide some of the facts believing hiding information will make the matter better handled.

Is that what it comes down to for you, wanting some relevant reason for stating the race of a person means that one is politically correct? That's become the go-to insult for those who have nothing better to say. If you can give me a good, solid reason why race is relevant in this article, then I'd have no problem with it, but as I've already stated, this article, as it's written is nothing but the story about a fight between a group of drunken idiots.

When they say "the information on race is irrelevant", they do not really mean it, but rather think hiding truth is better.

Do not tell me what I think because you have no idea. Unless I've stated what I think, any assumptions on your part are just that, assumptions.

I hope American "political correctness" will not land on Japan.

There's little worry of that happening anytime in the near future so you can calm yourself down any time now.

-4 ( +4 / -8 )

"drunken brawl"

I've seen a lot of those in Japan.

4 ( +6 / -2 )

CH3CHO: Why is it irrelevant?

Because, as the story is written, it has about as much relevance as stating that one of them was wearing green high tops. The story above is about a bunch of drunken idiots who happen to be from different countries. Where do you find the relevance in that, or is everything about nationality and race to you? If there was a reason why race or nationality was important to this story other than to provoke the readers, I'm failing to see it.

-5 ( +1 / -6 )

I doubt it was racially motivated. Nishi-Kawaguchi is a prostitution area and gangs are always running wild around. One of the worst places in Saitama, and we are talking about Saitama here. The fact that the guy carried a knife with him suggests that these guys, whatever their nationality, were not the office worker-type

7 ( +8 / -1 )

The motivation of the person that caused the fight is irrelevant. the fact that they caused it IS relevant, and as such should be prosecuted for 'disturbing the peace' or whatever it's called in japan. Racialism and cultural chavinism is a sad fact of life and will NEVER go away and I truly wish people would just get that through their heads. Once that is established, prosecute the cretins to your hearts content

-4 ( +0 / -4 )

Quote: "a group of around 10 non-Japanese, believed to be of Asian extraction, became embroiled in an argument with a group of Japanese people."

That sounds like a Japanese group against a non-Japanese Asian group, possibly a turf war, not just a random mixture of Japanese and non-Japanese in an all-out drunken punch-up. In the mind we imagine possibilities such as Chinese mafia against Japanese Yakuza, etc. More detail would be good, not less.

3 ( +3 / -0 )

Your Japanese needs work. と見られる means presumed to be, not literally looks like.

Same difference. Either way it's a conclusory statement not based on fact. Frankly for a paper to say someone is "presumed" to be something is even worse!

-5 ( +1 / -6 )

Chinese or Koreans?

Japanese media is reporting that the so called group of "10 non-Japanese" were in fact a group of mostly Chinese youths with one or more Japanese youths mixed in with the group. The police have stated that an 18-yeor old "Japanese youth" has been arrested for stabbing two Japanese men in the chest and cutting one Japanese woman on the hand. He was initially perceived as being a foreigner so he might have been speaking Japanese with a Chinese accent or speaking Chinese. Who knows? He's a minor under Japanese law so there probably won't be much more news about this event. Move along... nothing to see here.

3 ( +3 / -0 )

Apparently it was marauding groups of people from Tokyo getting their jollies .

-1 ( +0 / -1 )

Readers, please stop bickering.

0 ( +0 / -0 )

Morale of the story, stay away from seedy places, specially late at night, and with questionable associates.

7 ( +8 / -1 )

it was yakuza vs triads, move along people

1 ( +2 / -1 )

"when a group of around 10 non-Japanese, believed to be of Asian extraction, became embroiled in an argument"

Translated: Pissed Off Chinese Exchange Students Vs. Pro-Right Wings Japanese Youths...It's rare that Koreans get Fired Up while living amongst the Japanese, but I'm not ruling it out. It's Very Rare that Whitties brawl with the Japanese...Actually, I've never heard 1 incident with regards too...Most Whitties tango with the Nigerians in Roppongi. Luckily kitchen knives are the weapon if choice...Lord knows what would have happen if they had the right to own Fire Arms (that's why I know why it was not Yakuza).

-5 ( +1 / -6 )

It's Very Rare that Whitties brawl with the Japanese...Actually, I've never heard 1 incident with regards too...Most Whitties tango with the Nigerians in Roppongi.

"whitties" ... you gotta be kidding me.

People who have their panties in a bunch because one group was identified as "non-Japanese" need to face reality. Any crimes committed by gaijin in Japan are going to be reported as such. Its the cost of doing business in a country where foreigners account for about 2% of the population. Personally I wish the media would identify the people by country of origin to spare the rest of us from being tarred with the same brush.

0 ( +2 / -2 )

Sounds like a turf war between japanese and other asians involved in Saitama's water-trade, and/or other dodgy stuff. The right-wing extremists will have a field-day - they will ignore the reality that most such crime here is perpetrated by japanese gangs. File the story under "Foreign crime wave hits innocent Saitama".

-1 ( +1 / -2 )

Whether they are Koreans or Chinese or whatever, Japanese netizens will find a way to blame it on the Koreans and their genes. Mark my words.

"It's rare that Koreans get Fired Up while living amongst the Japanese"

-6 ( +3 / -9 )

this is a hate crime for sure. Too bad there's no greater sentence for hate crimes in this racist country, so those punks can be sent away for stabbing those koreans or chinese

-4 ( +3 / -7 )

@Bob

Did you actually read the article?

2 ( +2 / -0 )

ambrosia, Japanese laws are different from US laws.

In Japan, the press has the right to report whatever it likes as long as the reporting does not constitute a libel.

Is it a libel to report the nationality of someone? Reporting a Chinese a Chinese cannot be a libel. The press has every right to report the name, age, sex, nationality, race, cloths, height, weight, hair style, or whatever characteristics of the probable perpetrator. They are all relevant. What is irrelevant is, for example, name of someone sitting 3 blocks away from the venue.

-3 ( +1 / -4 )

Since we live in Nishi-Kawaguchi, we were wondering what the hell was going on with all the ambulances last Sunday night...

The "red light district" is not "in front of the station". The area changed about 5 years ago.

Nishi-Guchi of the station has a koban right in front of the exit so most probably that's not where it happened. It's the atrea where the "red light disctrict" is now with the strip joints and where most of the foreign prostitutes gather. (And don't start me with the word "foreigner". I've heard them arguing many times and they've tried to pick me so I know first hand they're not Japanese)

Higashi-guchi where the red-light used to be has a number of food joints you really wouldn't like to visit. There is no koban there, only a button you can press to call the police. This is where the brawl most probably happened. And in this particular area there are many Chinese (Koreans are on the other Guchi) and, trust me, very few of them are "university students". There are even a couple "izakayas" with a large hinomaru permanently hanging in the entrance, and there are at least a couple Uyoku groups (and an Uyoku newspaper hq). You can draw your conclusions...
4 ( +4 / -0 )

CH3CHO: ambrosia, Japanese laws are different from US laws.

Really? Thanks for the legal lesson. And you're the one who keeps bringing the U.S. into this. I've not said anything about the U.S. so all I see there is you showing your cultural insecurity.

In Japan, the press has the right to report whatever it likes as long as the reporting does not constitute a libel. Is it a libel to report the nationality of someone?

Who said anything about libel? Libel is a false statement that is damaging to a person's reputation. As far as I know, being non-Japanese is not generally considered a libelous thing.

The press has every right to report the name, age, sex, nationality, race, cloths, height, weight, hair style, or whatever characteristics of the probable perpetrator. They are all relevant.

Certainly, if it helps to capture someone, identify them down to the birthmark on their posterior. That's not the case here, not even close. Arrests have been made and nowhere does it say the police are looking for more suspects.

Look, you can give me as many thumbs down as you like. I still contend that, based on the story above, there was absolutely no reason for the provocative headline and nothing you've said so far has proven otherwise. When I start basing my thinking on the number of thumbs up or thumbs down that I get on an anonymous website, then I'll start to worry. You can also keep arguing this point if you want but I've made mine.

-2 ( +1 / -3 )

Ok, I just saw the video posted by dmhondz. My bad. It's Nishi-Guchi one of the streets where prostitutes often gather. Mostly Korean shops in the area but also Thai. The kobban is a few meters from where it happened. There is also an Uyoku bar nearby. Maybe some drunk grabbed the butt of a hooker and she wasn't happy...

3 ( +3 / -0 )

ambrosia, you seem to think that the press has not right to report what is not "relevant" as you define. Please tell me the name of the Japanese law that prohibits press from reporting what is not "relevant", if it ever exists.

-2 ( +1 / -3 )

ok, I checked the Japanese news. They say that a group of 7-8 Japanese and a group of 10 Chinese started fighting. At some point, one of the Chinese produced a knife and stabbed two Japanese guys in the chest and stomach causing serious injuries, and cut a Japanese woman on the hand. The cause of the fight is under investigation, and the guy is arrested for attempted murder. The place of the fight is reported as Nishikawaguchi 1 chome.

-1 ( +0 / -1 )

Ambrosia is 100% correct -- there is no relevant reason why the people need be reported as "non-Japanese". It sets the story up as villain and hero before the story is told, especially to Japanese. It's kind of like the "unemployed" Japanese guy who goes on a stabbing spree; is it necessary to know he was unemployed? will that not bring about bias?

2 ( +6 / -4 )

smithinjapan

is it necessary to know he was unemployed?

So, you say that Big Brother should decide what people should know and what people should not know.

-3 ( +2 / -5 )

CH3CHO: "So, you say that Big Brother should decide what people should know and what people should not know."

Interesting you would refer to the media as Big Brother. I concur. Keep in mind, though, you just sunk all your own arguments. You've been soundly beaten on this thread, for silly arguments. The unnecessary adjectives 'non-Japanese' and 'unemployed' or what have you are just that -- unnecessary. They only serve purpose to focus hate.

-1 ( +2 / -3 )

smithinjapan

Interesting you would refer to the media as Big Brother.

No. I refer to people like you who dictate what media should report and what media should not report.

They only serve purpose to focus hate.

So, you say the media should obey your guidance so that people receiving the information though media would not receive bad influence.

I support the Japanese system that gives full freedom to media to report whatever they like to report as long as the reporting does not constitute a libel. Let people know and let them decide. I do not think we need your guidance.

-1 ( +2 / -3 )

Readers, please stop bickering.

0 ( +0 / -0 )

Apparently some would prefer the news to be reported as:

"Seven human beings had an excessive discussion with 10 other human beings and one of them used a metallic kitchen utensil to persuade them they were wrong."

Note that mentioning the location and the time should not be politically correct since it could discriminate towards the other residents of the area and could create fear to the readers. Or even better instead of "human beings" put "living organisms" to avoid discrimination towards animals... Thankfully we don't live in Kita Chosen.

-1 ( +2 / -3 )

Ah, so being responsible is not something that is serious according to your agenda.

Reporting the nationalities of criminals is not irresponsible. The onus is on you to prove otherwise. I suspect however that you'd rather just continue your smug discussion of the word libel.

Thanks to Pidestroika for providing some information on the area for those of us unfamiliar.

-2 ( +1 / -3 )

My guess is Japanese trying to pick on Koreans!!

-3 ( +2 / -5 )

There are a few commenting on this story that don't seem to understand that race and nationality are not the same thing.

-1 ( +1 / -2 )

warallthetime: There are a few commenting on this story that don't seem to understand that race and nationality are not the same thing.

I see what you're saying but surely you know that race isn't used solely to define people with particular physical characteristics. The OED also defines is as: a group of people sharing the same culture, history, language, etc.; an ethnic group So, for the purposes of the posts above, it is not an incorrect usage of the word race.

-2 ( +0 / -2 )

Booze is the devil's beverage

-1 ( +0 / -1 )

-1 ( +0 / -1 )

damn punks, they should fight fair, fist to fist.

0 ( +0 / -0 )

Everybody was Kung Fu Fighting!!!!!!!!

0 ( +0 / -0 )

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