Back to today’s briefing

Story perspectives

Pepper Spray Attack at Ginza Six ATM Hospitalizes 19

5/25/2026

50 9 Full Breakdown

Summary

Story summary

Investigators found pepper-spray residue on a wall inside Tokyo’s Ginza Six mall.
A man sprayed an irritant at an ATM in the mall, sending at least 19 people to hospital.
Dozens of fire engines, ambulances and hazmat responders arrived, prompting a temporary street closure as such attacks are rare in Japan.
Victims experienced mild throat irritation and were released after brief evaluation.

History

Historical Context

Japan’s emergency services recall the 1995 Tokyo subway sarin attack by Aum Shinrikyo, which killed 13 commuters and prompted a massive police mobilization. That precedent shaped the swift deployment of dozens of fire engines, hazmat crews and ambulances by authorities to the 2024 Ginza Six pepper-spray assault in central Tokyo.

1 of 2

Story summary

Investigators found pepper-spray residue on a wall inside Tokyo’s Ginza Six mall.
A man sprayed an irritant at an ATM in the mall, sending at least 19 people to hospital.
Dozens of fire engines, ambulances and hazmat responders arrived, prompting a temporary street closure as such attacks are rare in Japan.
Victims experienced mild throat irritation and were released after brief evaluation.

1 / 2