Crime Suspected spray incident in Ginza leaves 25 ill

Twenty-five people reported feeling unwell around midday on Monday after a strong, irritating smell spread near the GINZA SIX shopping complex in Tokyo's Ginza district. Police are investigating reports that some spray may have been used during a fight involving people believed to be foreign nationals.


According to the Metropolitan Police Department, a woman called emergency services shortly after noon on 25 May. She said there was "something like a pungent smell" and that people around the area were coughing inside and around the large commercial facility in Chuo Ward. Police said similar reports were later received at a nearby police box. Authorities are continuing to investigate exactly what caused the smell and how the incident unfolded.

A total of 25 men and women complained of symptoms linked to the odor, with 14 people — including two men and 12 women — transported to hospital for treatment. Investigators said there was information indicating that a fight had broken out in front of GINZA SIX between individuals believed to be foreign nationals, during which one person allegedly sprayed an unidentified substance before fleeing the scene. Authorities believe bystanders in the surrounding area may have been affected and are continuing to investigate the whereabouts of those involved as well as the substance that was dispersed.

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