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Suspect in Tokyo subway station acid attack arrested in Okinawa

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6 months to heal? I don't think anyone can ever 'heal' from sulfuric acid. Nasty.

16 ( +19 / -3 )

Police put a 25-year-old man on a nationwide wanted list Friday

obtained an arrest warrant for Hirotaka Hanamori 

The most wanted man in Japan

10 ( +12 / -2 )

the man as he overtook him at an elevator shortly after 9 p.m

escalator, not elevator.

19 ( +20 / -1 )

With such a clear photo of the suspect in circulation, there is nowhere to hide...

9 ( +11 / -2 )

"Belong to the same club at university"

To be willing to go that far and throw acid at a fellow club member, i am willing to bet there is bullying involve.

1 ( +8 / -7 )

escalator, not elevator.

Every English article I can find says "at an elevator". With respect, how are you certain it was an escalator?

0 ( +6 / -6 )

@Haaa

Because they showed the scene of the attack on TV

12 ( +13 / -1 )

Because they showed the scene of the attack on TV

Ok. I didn't see the report on TV .

5 ( +7 / -2 )

Why does no one stop these people? If I was there I am grabbing that guy and going to hig tie him with my shoe laces. NO ONE gets away when I am around!

-30 ( +2 / -32 )

Horrible for the victims, but at least this was not a random attack.

5 ( +7 / -2 )

With such a clear photo of the suspect in circulation, there is nowhere to hide...

Possibly. But the Aum terrorists had their faces plastered on every train station platform, bus stop and underpass in Japan, and it took more than a decade to catch them.

I hope they catch the scum ASAP and he is jailed for life.

6 ( +9 / -3 )

Soooo, where’s the picture? Video link?

8 ( +9 / -1 )

Flash news on NHK TV just now that they’ve caught him…

3 ( +4 / -1 )

scorpion:

Why does no one stop these people? If I was there I am grabbing that guy and going to hig tie him with my shoe laces. NO ONE gets away when I am around!

Against someone who is holding a bottle of sulfuric acid? Be my guest.

14 ( +16 / -2 )

nanda:

This guy?

https://news.yahoo.co.jp/articles/1df09bcfd442846067a3e46bead56e6612d1e668/images/000

Hanamori. From Shizuoka. Found in Okinawa.

3 ( +4 / -1 )

Iam glad to hear they have identified the criminal and possibly apprehended him.

My empathy goes out to the victims of the unnecessary acid attack .

Iam sceptical that these inflicted wounds will ever heal including the traumatic stress of the incident.

However it is good to learn that it wasn't a random attack but iam definitely not justifying it.

4 ( +5 / -1 )

Reading a Japanese opinions board I saw a comment suggesting that the law should be ratcheted up to be extra heavy on acid attacks. Another suggested making it harder to get hold of the stuff.

Either way, acid seems to me to be excessively cowardly, maximum misery for the least effort.

4 ( +5 / -1 )

I hope they catch this parasite and that he is brought to justice and never sees freedom for eternity.

Anyone who engages in any form of violent crime such as sexual assault or any kind of assault, violence, especially an acid attack should be subject to the firing squad.

-1 ( +4 / -5 )

nandakandamanda

Reading a Japanese opinions board I saw a comment suggesting that the law should be ratcheted up to be extra heavy on acid attacks. Another suggested making it harder to get hold of the stuff.

Either way, acid seems to me to be excessively cowardly, maximum misery for the least effort.

Sorry, I am not sure about the use of "cowardly" by some here. Yes, an acid attack is horrible, it is disgusting, but what has "coward" to do with it?

-11 ( +3 / -14 )

Apparently they victim went to the same college as the perp, so it was a targeted attack.

Acid attack is an exceptionally cruel act and this guy should spend a long time in prison.

5 ( +7 / -2 )

I hope he gets what he deserves. Crazy to do this and think you would get away with it.

0 ( +1 / -1 )

@ Zaphod,

approaching an unsuspecting person and attacking them over a petty grudge then fleeing across the country is basically the definition of a cowardly act. For him it was not a dangerous endeavor, and his flight meant he was unwilling to face the consequences of his action.

4 ( +7 / -3 )

Agreed, and I think throwing the acid in his eyes is calculated to prevent the victim seeing or recognizing his attacker.

3 ( +4 / -1 )

The most wanted man in Japan

Not any more! Please read the article! And while what he is alleged to have done, and heinous as it was, he is FAR from the "most wanted" in Japan.

Better than the guys wanted for murder!

https://www.npa.go.jp/english/bureau/criminal_affairs/wanted_eng.html

0 ( +3 / -3 )

Both the attacker and victim are reportedly members of the same "club circle" when they were students at a university in Okinawa. Police have released information stating there is a Sempai/Kohai (senior vs. junior) relationship, and that some problem existed between the 25-year-old attacker and the 22-year-old victim.

1 ( +3 / -2 )

Wow, good surveillance work. See, this is the job of police which they can do best. If only the police can let go of their archaic practices.

3 ( +4 / -1 )

“Good Job”, NPA !! - Nice to know the culprit is off the streets, it was a “targeted hit”, and was NOT a “random” assault as much if the hysteria alluded to previously.

0 ( +2 / -2 )

spinningplates

@ Zaphod,

approaching an unsuspecting person and attacking them over a petty grudge then fleeing across the country is basically the definition of a cowardly act.

Sorry, I do not see that. I thought "cowardly" means a lack of courage, which is a completely different issue from doing something wrong or inexcusable. Has the meaning of the word changed?

I find this Hanamori guy a horrible person and I hope he gets smacked with the maximum the law allows, but I really do not understand the "coward" label.

-2 ( +2 / -4 )

Agreed, @nandakandamanda 2:22pm.

*- @nandakandamanda 2:22pm: “I think throwing the acid in his eyes is calculated to prevent the victim seeing or recognizing his attacker.*

It was a calculated AND horrendous, “cowardly” act.

-1 ( +1 / -2 )

More than likely they tracked him via his mobile phone. Japanese police never admit this so not to tip off people

3 ( +4 / -1 )

Understood. - According to the following U.K. source,… https://www.asti.org.uk/a-worldwide-problem.html … the U.K. has now surpassed India in these types of acid attacks.

*- @nandakandamanda 12:13pm: “a J opinions board comment suggesting the law should be ratcheted up… making it harder to get hold of the stuff…acid seems to me to be excessively cowardly, maximum misery.*

As a G7 “developed” nation, it will be interesting to see what Japan does to curtail these kinds of brutal attacks.

-3 ( +1 / -4 )

Agreed @spinningplates 2:12pm:

- “approaching an unsuspecting person, attacking them, then fleeing across the country is basically a cowardly act… and his flight meant he was unwilling to face the consequences of his action.”

-2 ( +1 / -3 )

According to the latest news, the perpetrator had a university degree in science and had a good knowledge of science.

0 ( +1 / -1 )

Agreed. “*The most wanted man in Japan***...” … this week. **@sakurasuki 6:53am:

“Police obtained an arrest warrant for Hirotaka Hanamori and put the 25-year-old man on *a nationwide wanted list Friday.”

-4 ( +0 / -4 )

snowymountainhell

- “approaching an unsuspecting person, attacking them, then fleeing across the country is basically a cowardly act… and his flight meant he was unwilling to face the consequences of his action.”

By that definition, every crime where the criminal does not want to get caught would be "cowardly". That is an awfully broad brush. So fundamentally every crime is "cowardly"?

-5 ( +1 / -6 )

Above poster: Which part is reposted and which is your question or comment?

0 ( +3 / -3 )

This type of attack is prevalent in other Asian countries such as India and Pakistan.

Now, it is more common in Europe due to migration.

It is a relatively easy way to do someone harm and being scientifically knowledgeable is not a prerequisite.

Lets hope that it doesn’t become more common in Japan.

0 ( +3 / -3 )

Definition of cowardly, among which these came up first:

"The definition of cowardly is something characterized by a lack of courage. Attacking a victim who cannot defend himself is an example of cowardly behavior."

"...in a way that is not at all brave and tries to avoid danger"

https://dictionary.cambridge.org/dictionary/english/cowardly

If the guy had confronted his victim and attempted to duke it out, that might be a little braver.

Besides, these acid attacks are often used in certain cultures on women when men are rejected.

2 ( +3 / -1 )

Sounds like a very crazy violent stalker, or how could he know that the victim is exactly there at that time and place… Probably about a former girlfriend both wanted but only one got. Bullying alone can be excluded for some reasons. Those people are more the weak, avoiding, fleeing, forgetting, self hurting, suicidal type, not such proactive, otherwise they wouldn’t have ever been bullied, right?

-1 ( +2 / -3 )

Throwing acid on people with the intent to disfigure is a disgusting, cowardly crime. There is an epidemic of it in the asian community in England, it's an imported crime from Muslim countries (mainly Pakistan). This guy should be made an example of in the court of law and there should be zero tolerance to this barbaric evil.

8 ( +9 / -1 )

Tokyo Joe, good posting!

2 ( +4 / -2 )

snowymountainhell

“Good Job”, NPA !! - Nice to know the culprit is off the streets, it was a “targeted hit”, and was NOT a “random” assault as much if the hysteria alluded to previously.

Some of us here said that right from the start. Actually, I did not see much hysteria.

-3 ( +2 / -5 )

It’s “COWARDLY” - MORE than 80% of these attacks on women @nandakandamanda 4:57pm:

- “Besides, these acid attacks are often used in certain cultures on women...” -

https://www.asti.org.uk/a-worldwide-problem.html -
0 ( +3 / -3 )

Understood @kurisupisu 4:53pm:

- “This type of attack is prevalent in other Asian countries, India, Pakistan… Now, it is more common in Europe [perhaps??] due to migration. It is a relatively easy way to do someone harm and being scientifically knowledgeable is not a prerequisite.

Agreed: “Lets hope that it doesn’t become more common in Japan

According to the following source, the U.K. has now surpassed India in these types of acid attacks. 

https://www.asti.org.uk/a-worldwide-problem.html -
-1 ( +2 / -3 )

Disagree. - Actually, someone argued “right from the start” IF the perpetrators act was “cowardly”, or not.

- 2 injured in acid attack in Tokyo subway station; suspect at large- Aug 25, 21: [I remember the sarin gas attack on Tokyo subways in mid 1995. Whether this coward is involved in some kooky cult or not, I hope the law finds him soon and puts him away!]

*“This one looks completely different. do not know why you call the criminal a "coward" or suggest he is involved in a cult.“ -*

IMO, these CRIMES on this MAN and the innocent WOMAN was “COWARDLY”.

And, there’s really NO need to try to ‘convince others’ otherwise. They also have their own internal, ‘moral compass’ and will decide for themselves.

-2 ( +1 / -3 )

Disagree. - Actually, readers were very concerned about the suspect ‘at large’. To address ‘a few’ like the one above recalling Tokyo 1995:

"Be Alert"...this isn't the first Chemical Attack that's taken place in Metro Tokyo...it won't be the last.“

“Crazies out and about these days....”

“Another series of random attacks I recall were a few years ago in HK where someone would just throw acid from the top of buildings and people would get injured below on the streets. I'm not sure whether the police ever caught the scum.”

"Safe" is not an absolute. 

“man what is going on with all these attacks on trains recently?  As if trying to dodge COVID on the train and get to work on time or get home isnt enough already....

“That's aweful to hear about the people being attacked with acid.

“I am anxiously waiting to hear how long it took to catch the criminal…

“If they don't catch him then he might do it again.

People were worried it was not targeted and was “random” or the beginning of something greater. (n. hysteria: a temporary, extreme fear and/or excessive worry about the unforeseeable conclusion to unfolding events.)

-4 ( +0 / -4 )

IMO, these CRIMES on this MAN and the innocent WOMAN was “COWARDLY”.

And the opinion of most. Unprovoked, unexpected and no immediate threat of retaliation… that’s a coward alright.

4 ( +6 / -2 )

Good

-1 ( +1 / -2 )

How many moles was the so-called sulfuric acid. Makes a big difference in the damage it can do. Simple scientific computation.

A rather strong concentration of said acid you can put your finger in and have no consequences, but the eyes are more sensitive.

-3 ( +0 / -3 )

ShinkansenCaboose

How many moles was the so-called sulfuric acid. Makes a big difference in the damage it can do. Simple scientific computation.

Must have been pretty strong, seeing the damage it caused. Fwiw, I just went past Takanawa police station, and there are TV crews waiting outside, so safe to assume they expect the perp to be brought there tonight.

-4 ( +1 / -5 )

Haaa Nemui

And the opinion of most. Unprovoked, unexpected and no immediate threat of retaliation… that’s a coward alright.

So every burglary, every pickpocketry, every vandalism, every hijacking, in fact any crime short of a fistfight is "cowardly"? Because by definition they are always unprovoked, unexpected and no immediate threat of retaliation.

OK, I suppose language has changed. Or words have become meaningless. Live and learn.

-5 ( +0 / -5 )

Perhaps *@Zaphod 4:32pm ***You mistook someone else’s answer as mine**? Here’s what you’re looking for:

- @spinningplatesToday  02:12 pm: “@ Zaphod, *approaching an unsuspecting person and attacking them over a petty grudge then fleeing across the country is basically the definition of a cowardly act. For him it was not a dangerous endeavor, and his flight meant he was unwilling to face the consequences of his action.*”

Please try to keep track to whom you’re debating. (This wasn’t the first time.)

Looking forward to your ‘gentlemanly’ correction in the “Lighter” thread. - Regards.

-2 ( +1 / -3 )

This is already a controlled chemical, so it is easy to track the attacker, Excellent police work, I am truly impressed the the work of the police in this case, and I hope this attacker gets lucked up for a very long time.

1 ( +2 / -1 )

So every burglary, every pickpocketry, every vandalism, every hijacking, in fact any crime short of a fistfight is "cowardly"? Because by definition they are always unprovoked, unexpected and no immediate threat of retaliation.

Come to think of it, yes.

2 ( +3 / -1 )

Mark...

This is already a controlled chemical, so it is easy to track the attacker, Excellent police work, I am truly impressed the the work of the police in this case, and I hope this attacker gets lucked up for a very long time.

That and asking the victim if anyone has a grudge against him to which he replied... " the name of the suspect".

Even the keystones could work this one out.

-3 ( +0 / -3 )

This was not a random attack but some sort of personal issue. Japan remains a safer place than most other parts of the world.

For all you would-be ninjas, those around the incident may not have been able to catch the guy. Nobody expects this sort of thing to happen. By the time bystanders had realised what had happened, the guy would have vanished.

1 ( +2 / -1 )

He seems to have had it all planned out, the exact attack spot, the sudden turn left after the escalator in order to escape, the change of clothes at home, the flight from Nagoya to Naha, etc., etc.

Except, an innocent woman slipped and fell in the acid, plus he burnt his own hands and chest too. In the arrest photos his hands are bandaged.

1 ( +2 / -1 )

The victims were hurt. Readers’ “feelings hurt” are of no consequence to the story. - As someone’s stated MANY times before, Japan is ineffectual at dealing with critical issues or, more precisely, in their terms: “PATHETIC”.

-1 ( +0 / -1 )

Might be a good idea to re-investigate the deaths of his parents.

This guy didn't suddenly become evil prior to this incident, he worked up to it by committing a series of escalating attacks.

0 ( +1 / -1 )

GBR48

For all you would-be ninjas, those around the incident may not have been able to catch the guy. Nobody expects this sort of thing to happen. By the time bystanders had realised what had happened, the guy would have vanished.

Agree about our would-be ninjas, and in this case there would not even have been any "bystanders". The attack occurred at the top of the escalator, and this particular escalator is used by very few people.

-1 ( +0 / -1 )

6 months to heal? I don't think anyone can ever 'heal' from sulfuric acid. Nasty.

I was burned on the chest with concentrated H2SO4 when working at a chemical plant in my younger days.

Inside of a year there was no visible scarring.

-1 ( +0 / -1 )

Apparently this kid is quite a freak. Lock him up for the max you can. He will do this or worse again.

-1 ( +0 / -1 )

On the Japanese news, it unsurprisingly says now that there was "trouble" between the victim and the perp. There is no information what kind of "trouble" that was, but afaic, there is no "trouble" that would justify throwing H2SO4 into someones face.

-1 ( +0 / -1 )

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