Bullet train operator holds drill involving knife attacker

I feel safer already.

That could be solved instantly without anyone risking getting hurt...

Arm operators with Taser Gun:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AfMcjRWESVA

Well it is a start but I call it a band aid solution. An attacker would have already committed his crime before security arrives with their poles. Why not just do a straight forward security check like airports? I understand based on the fact I lived there Japan is by far a safe country but economic disparities is creating quite a bit of anger and unfortunately you are going to hear of more crazy people just losing it and committing similar crimes moving forward. Hopefully that does not happen.

Wait a minute, no one is wearing a costume, is it really a serious drill.

Tonymax

Doing security checks would mean adding a whole other dimension to Japan’s massive railway system. At this time, I would say it’s completely unneeded.

You also can’t factually conclude that the response would be too late, although I do get what you mean, obviously protocol would be for there to be a procedure for problems of this nature and it should also be rehearsed (as it is),

I'm telling you, all train security staff and police in Japan need to play a couple of seasons of rugby. That's all the training they need. Once they master ' the Darwin Coat Hanger' they will have no problems with anybody.

and how do they conduct a drill with a passenger with a can of fuel and a lighter.

@wtfjapan - and how do they conduct a drill with a passenger with a can of fuel and a lighter.

With a fire extinguisher, of course. Just throw it at him.

With a fire extinguisher, of course. Just throw it at him.

so he throws gas on hims self and other passengers and lights it, probably takes about 10~15 second total. do you think anybody can find the extinguisher before he sets the carriage alight!?

@wtfjapan - so he throws gas on hims self and other passengers and lights it, probably takes about 10~15 second total. do you think anybody can find the extinguisher before he sets the carriage alight!?

Wow! Play the ‘what if’ card! There are extinguishers in every carriage. Open your eyes next time you get on a train.

I am usually a big critic when it comes to solving these kind of situations with guns but what the hell is up with dog catcher thingy???

Give the poor guy a tazer or a beanbag gun - a frisbee even - not that useless thing.

A sad indication of the state of society today.

The drill does not appear to include any actors playing passengers. I would say there is a high chance where a knife wielding attacker take a hostage or slash someone right next to him?

SnickersAug. 22 10:46 pm JST

I am usually a big critic when it comes to solving these kind of situations with guns but what the hell is up with dog catcher thingy???

That "dog catcher thingy" is called a Sasamata. It is basically the same as the ones used 2/300 years ago by law enforcement during the Edo period except they were wood and didn't telescope like today's aluminum ones. Rather simplistic in concept, but if used properly it can pin down a perpetrator armed with an edged weapon so that others can secure him.

Give the poor guy a tazer or a beanbag gun - a frisbee even - not that useless thing.

Besides that thing not being as useless as you think, the "security" in the photo are Zenikkei- hired security, not police, or anyone authorized to be using a taser or beanbag gun.

I admit to laughing when I saw the picture of the policeman with the shield who had about five more officers behind him. This is obviously for show, so people can believe they will be safe.

However, I will also say I am very glad Japan doesn't have guns, and officers really can subdue attackers with a pronged pole and a shield. No one gets shot, accidentally or otherwise.

Let's hope it stays that way.