A busy afternoon at a high-end shopping mall in central Tokyo turned tense after a sudden incident left around 20 people feeling unwell and forced an emergency evacuation in parts of the building.
According to local police and fire officials, the situation unfolded when a man reportedly sprayed an unidentified substance near an ATM located on the ground floor of the luxury complex in the Ginza district, a popular destination for both locals and tourists.
Shortly after the incident, multiple people inside the mall began reporting irritation and discomfort, including throat pain and a strange smell in the air. Emergency responders quickly arrived at the scene, with firefighters and medical teams entering the building in protective gear to assist those affected.
Eyewitness reports described a rapid and coordinated response, with officials guiding shoppers out through controlled exits while emergency vehicles lined the street outside. Some individuals were seen being transported on stretchers, while others were taken for medical checks in specialized response vehicles.
Although the incident caused alarm, public broadcaster NHK reported that most of the injuries appeared to be mild. One elderly shopper described feeling a sudden burning and scratchy sensation in her throat while near the ATM area, which quickly escalated into confusion among nearby visitors.
Authorities have not yet confirmed the nature of the substance used, and investigations are ongoing. Police are working to determine whether the incident was intentional or accidental.
Japan is widely known for its low crime rates, making such public disruptions particularly unsettling. While violent crime remains rare, the country has experienced isolated attacks in recent years, keeping public safety agencies vigilant.
Officials continue to examine security footage and gather witness statements as the investigation develops.
