Around 20 people reportedly felt unwell after a suspected irritating substance was sprayed inside GINZA SIX, one of Tokyo’s busiest shopping complexes, on Monday afternoon.
According to reports by Kyodo News, police received an emergency call shortly before noon regarding a “stimulating smell” detected inside the shopping and commercial facility located in Tokyo’s Ginza district.
Authorities said about 20 people complained of discomfort, with at least 10 reporting throat irritation, while one person was taken to hospital for treatment.
The Tokyo Metropolitan Police Department is currently investigating the incident.
Japanese broadcaster NHK reported that a man wearing a black jacket, light-coloured trousers and a white face mask allegedly sprayed an unidentified substance near the ATM area on the first floor of the building.
Following the incident, police cordoned off the affected area while large numbers of firefighters and emergency vehicles were deployed to the scene.
The area surrounding GINZA SIX is one of the busiest commercial districts in Tokyo, filled with shopping centres and office buildings.
A 70-year-old woman who was near the scene said she suddenly felt a sharp irritation in her throat and initially thought a small fire might have broken out, although she did not notice any obvious smell at first.
Another woman who had entered the building said the atmosphere inside felt unusual, with many people covering their mouths.
She explained that her throat became itchy and numb after approaching the ATM section, prompting her to immediately run outside and contact emergency services.
A Hong Kong resident currently in Japan also told local media that helicopters could continuously be heard flying over areas near Akihabara following the incident.
Authorities are still working to determine the exact substance involved and whether the case was intentional.
