Tokyo Stabbings
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194)
Mon 2008/06/09 10:35
UPDATE: Looks like anime and otaku culture are going to get the blame...
"I came to Akihabara to kill. Anyone would have been fine (I dont care who I killed). I was tired of life" - the words of the person who killed 7 people in Akihabara yesterday.
UPDATE: The media have just found a post on the 2chan boards by somebody who said they were going to Akihabara to kill people with a truck and that they would use a knife if the truck got unusable - this post was made before the killings.
UPDATE: Photos of the killer at Japan Probe.
Its all over news in Japan and even across the world. The killer was Tomohiro Kato aged 25 who rented a 2 ton truck which he drove to Akihabara from Shizuoka which is situated 180 kilos from Tokyo.
He drove at about 70 Kph into the main crossing at Akihabara which is pedestrianized on a Sunday and hit 3 people. One of the victims was vomiting huge amounts of blood while another lay on the ground with a twisted body.
Kato stopped his truck and headed back to where the victims lay while stabbing 3 people on his way. When he got to the victims at the crossing, he got on top of one and stabbed them repeatedly. He also stabbed a police office her came to apprehend him.
Kato then ran into the crowds and stated to stab more people. A total of 7 people died and another 10 injured - most of these people were stabbed from behind and it looks like one was stabbed in the neck.
Witnesses said that Kato had a frenzy look on his face and that he looked like he was enjoying his killing spree.
An officer chased Kato down an alley and tried to apprehend Kato with a stick. Kato started to scream and shout until the police officer pulled out his gun and said "I'm going to shoot!" where upon Kato collapsed to the ground and gave himself in.
Killed in the incident was a woman aged 21, two men aged 19, 31, 47 and 74. The police are still questioning him as to why he drove many miles to just to kill at Akihabara.
The media have been digging into Kato's past to discover that he done well in school and was a sportsman. Apparently his father was a drunk who was violent to his mother. Kato also carried around a knife while at school.
Full news report below - news sources from todays TV, newspapers, 47News, Iza, JapanProbe etc. The person you see in the beige suit with glasses is the killer. Am deeply saddened by the killings of innocent people who were out and about shopping and minding their own business - killings by a man who said "Anyone would have been fine." [誰でもよかった] But the thing thats beginning to get really scary is that the "Anyone would have been fine" quote which has been uttered by previous killers.
In January 2008, a boy aged 16 suddenly started to stab away at shoppers shouting "KOROSHITE YARU!" meaning "Im going to kill you!" Nobody died but had injuries to their arms and chest. The boy was arrested and later told police - "Anyone would have been fine - I just wanted to kill everybody."
In March 2008, a boy of 18 pushed a man in front of a train who died from the impact. The boy later said "If I killed somebody then I can go to jail - Anyone would have been fine."
Also in March 2008 a man went around stabbing people in a train station where one person died. When he was caught he said "Anyone would have been fine - I wanted to experience killing people."
The worst thing about these killings is the "just wanted to kill anybody" factor with no other particular motive and that they happen in broad daylight on innocent people going about their business.
I used to remember when living in Hackney London - I used to have to always look behind my back when walking around at night. And then I came to Japan - the land where the crime rate is so low that a man sticking icecream in a post box made prime time news.
Am starting to think a lot about what Japanese society is coming to. How do you feel living in your region? Do you feel safe? Can you walk around at night without constantly looking behind your back? Do these indiscriminate killings of late change your views of Japan in anyway?
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Sun 06/01 11:08 comments (73)
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Tue 03/04 14:57 comments (105)
VF-25 Pilot. Universariate Scholar.
I never feel safe here. Crime in my state is at an all time high and is only going to get worst. condolences to the victims of this madness.
(ID #208143) Posted on 2008/06/09 10:44
Jaina Solo Fan-boy! umm...Frozen food mangaer
Same here. I live in New Orleans, LA, US, and violent crime has never been higher. Damn it, our state's governor had to even call out the national guard to help out with the crime. I hardly go outside anymore except for work. My condolences and prayers go out to the victims and their families.
(ID #208144) Posted on 2008/06/09 10:47
those killers are totally not making any sense here!!..nobody has the right to take away others life!
(ID #208145) Posted on 2008/06/09 10:49
lecherous wretch
terrible! two victims still in their teenage years. yes, you can tell he(they) isnt right in the head when he says "anybody will do" and then drives miles to a specific area and starts killing. he also says "i was tired of life" yet he collapsed when an officer yelled "i am going to shoot"
(ID #208196) Posted on 2008/06/09 11:51
Student Engineer
yeah I feel safe in my area. No, you can't walk around the area when it is very dark out. Stuff happens- it hasn't affected my opinion of Japan's safety. He needs to get the death penalty, the cold blooded murderer.
(ID #208146) Posted on 2008/06/09 11:00
I feel relativly safe. Well Germany has its school shootings, but still the students had always a reason like being mobbed or forgotten by society. Never seen or heared of someone who killed for experincing what killing somebody is like. They should have joined the police, at least they could kill some bad guys there.
(ID #208147) Posted on 2008/06/09 11:01
Jaina Solo Fan-boy! umm...Frozen food mangaer
Killing really messes you up. I friend of mine just got back from Afganistan, and he killed his first person on that tour. He said he had trouble sleeping.
(ID #208149) Posted on 2008/06/09 11:04
is it me or is Japan getting sad T_T .although in my country there's not much killing case , but there's robbery in broad daylight .
(ID #208148) Posted on 2008/06/09 11:02
FhnuZoag (Registered on 2008/06/09 11:04)
Hang on. Did they all use the exact same wording? "Anyone would have been fine"? Are we looking at copycats?
(ID #208150) Posted on 2008/06/09 11:06
CEO MIrai Inc
"Dare Demo Yokatta" means "Anyone would have been fine" or "I dont care who it was etc." Same words.
(ID #208152) Posted on 2008/06/09 11:13
Makes me wonder if there is some kind of connection between all of these cases, or a case of copy cat.
(ID #208464) Posted on 2008/06/09 17:51
yukito (Registered on 2008/04/07 19:23)
I guess I feel safe in my area, as there is really nothing to be afraid of. Of course something can always happen, but it wouldn't really be because of the area or the town where I live. In fact my part time job of the moment is delivering the morning paper around 2:30 AM - 6:30 AM by bicycle and I hardly ever see anyone until 5 AM or so, when some of the early birds come out to do their morning walks. (I actually really like that job, altough it's physically pretty tough.) The news about the Akihabara killings were pretty hard to believe, but I guess there are killers in every part of the world. It's really sad how young some of the victims were. Two 19 year-old boys and a 21 year-old girl. This must be a sad day in Akiba.
(ID #208153) Posted on 2008/06/09 11:13
Man this is really a sad news....i saw it during the time i watch Code Geass R2 Ep9 yesterday! If man like tat are caught and put on to the ground! He will most likely been beaten to death by the crowd there! Malaysia aint a safe place also.....some stupid government minister or servant seems to be supporting those violence motorcyclist around the country, saying tat this ppl are young and creative (damn those brainless piece of shit).
(ID #208154) Posted on 2008/06/09 11:14
Hey wow, check this nameless dude. seems like the id or profile was deleted and the post showed up nameless?
(ID #208912) Posted on 2008/06/10 04:08
Procrastinator Extraordinaire
check out that last word on his post. maybe that has something to do with him not having a profile ;P
(ID #209033) Posted on 2008/06/10 08:00
In London, we have a stabbing a week. The Mayor of London is putting up metal detectors in certain Underground Stations. Why does every chav feel like he must own a knife?
(ID #208158) Posted on 2008/06/09 11:19
Oh, I nearly forgot, there was an anti-gun and knife march on Saturday. http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/london/7441642.stm It's seriously gotten out of control...*sigh*
(ID #208170) Posted on 2008/06/09 11:30
Link Cosplayer, Video Gamer, Amatuer Programmer, and Artist
My condolences to the families and friends of those who were harmed and killed. It just doesn't make any sense, why would you just go out and kill people because you think your life sucks? Does it make them feel like a man because they killed someone? Or is it because they were easy targets? Either way, the man is a coward for stabbing people while in a frenzy but yet surrendered when someone pulled a gun on him. If I was there, I'd probably would've gave him a face full of kicks and punches. I probably would've 1up-ed him with something else. There really is no reason to take a person's life like that, no one is given that right.
(ID #208176) Posted on 2008/06/09 11:34
part time illustrationist, doll clothing seamstress
ugh when I read this I feel so sad and disturbed o_o; but less crime usually does not mean no crime, unfortunately. I hope Akihabara will bounce back from this scary incident o_o;
(ID #208184) Posted on 2008/06/09 11:40
Research & Development Engineer
Living in New York City, stabbings, murders etc happen, not quite often, but enough to know it happens more than occasionally. But, one of the largest differences between Japan and NYC is that here these things happen due to pretty much socio-economic reasons like stealing stuff, killing your cheating (at least in the mind of the killer spouse)wife. Most often than not, they arent random killings unless committed by someone who's obviously mentally unstable. I dont know much about Japan, but from what Ive been reading, mental problems are not uncommon among the general populace. Considering the suicide rate, I think the populace is wound up so tight that some people do snap into a frenzied psychosis. In NYC, you can yell at somebody on the street, shove people walking down the sidewalk etc, but usually nothing but some rude hand gestures come of it. Would the same happen in Japan? I dont know, and maybe thats the problem. People who cant let go of their frustrations or know how to deal with them effectively often become unstable, unfortunately.
(ID #208185) Posted on 2008/06/09 11:40
software manager
i pray these incidents don't increase in frequency. one of the things i love about japan is the relative safety and low crime... would be a shame to have it otherwise... いなくなってしまった人は成仏しますように
(ID #208187) Posted on 2008/06/09 11:43
man, that's crazy...i just left japan sunday afternoon. i'm glad i wasn't around, but i feel sorry for those who got hurt and those who lost their lives.
(ID #208198) Posted on 2008/06/09 11:53
Dog of the Country
why do i sense someone else working in the background, instigating them to do this random murders? are they all brainwashed to think that they are heroes who were save the world?
(ID #208201) Posted on 2008/06/09 11:55
Jaina Solo Fan-boy! umm...Frozen food mangaer
I don't think someone is instigating people to violence. I just it's a disturbed person being a copycat of a previous instance.
(ID #208208) Posted on 2008/06/09 11:59
People don't need to be brainwashed to snap and do horrible things. It can probably be tied to societal causes where everyone is expected to be good, polite and respectful... someone is bound to lose it eventually.
(ID #208220) Posted on 2008/06/09 12:09
Stand Alone Complex?
(ID #208412) Posted on 2008/06/09 16:31
Lol... That's a nice way of putting it. Yes, being ronery can drive you over the edge :).
(ID #208560) Posted on 2008/06/09 20:46
Student Otaku (ITM Student) and ACG NA Staff
I read about his past life it seems he liked the Tales game series. This gets me thinking... He was sort of an Otaku. I thought, what the heck, not again... I swear, it's some sort of plot against the otaku and Akihabara or something. I remember about someone talking about something how Otakus are scum and that they should put a law banning anime related stuff. To me, it might be so plot against otaku or something... "Anyone would have been fine" quote seem to be going around with killing and stabbing in Japan huh.
(ID #208206) Posted on 2008/06/09 11:58
well if his choice was Akiba ... and he drove from shizuoka to get there... there must have been some attachment to the place. I suppose it could just be because that area is closed off to cars and easier to hit people with full force. I'm just thinking that if it's a greater impact of causalities he was looking for, there are other places in Tokyo.
(ID #208222) Posted on 2008/06/09 12:11
Greater impact and greater attention from the media.. if it was in another area like a back-alley, it would get less attention since it seems like crime should happen there anyway. (i think it's a form of disaster porn)
(ID #208268) Posted on 2008/06/09 13:00
ragnarok (Registered on 2007/12/25 14:35)
The fact that he stabbed someone repeatedly makes me think he had it out for him/her. It could have been the rest were just victims of circumstance.
(ID #208863) Posted on 2008/06/10 02:50
While I still think Japan is safer than a lot of countries, my caution level is still pretty high. I got here in February and I kept hearing these stories about stabbings (the ones you posted above)... I tend to go off daydreaming or listen to music while I'm walking alone, but I've begun to think that's a bad idea.
(ID #208211) Posted on 2008/06/09 12:01
I think we also have to consider the news media and how they can skew the view of the public into thinking crime rates are up. I know in the US there was a figure about major cities where the crime rate was actually at an all-time low but news coverage of killings we're up. It might have been in 500%. Don't quote me on the actual number but I know it was a staggering figure. This is a terrible event but news nowadays tend to focus alot on murders and things that are sensationalized. If we were to look at actual crime rates we might have a different feeling about are own cities.
(ID #208250) Posted on 2008/06/09 12:41
ひきこもり/Hikikomori. Suits my current state more than a 大学生/University Student. ^^
Totally agree with you.
(ID #208378) Posted on 2008/06/09 15:42
You bet your buttons it's a bad idea! Listening to music while walking is one of the worst things you can do to your situational awareness. Forget about psychokillers, even avoiding buses with brake failure and falling pianos is hopeless if you're on autopilot. A lot of the people who were stabbed got stabbed from behind. Regardless of where you live, there's always an element of chance in facing violent crime. In Japan it's lower, but there's simple things you can do to avoid becoming a (decidedly low) statistic and not leave your personal safety to the numbers game. I always look around when I walk at night, locating other people on the street and potential hazards as well as escape routes. I'm not constantly in fear, after a while it's just second nature. Admittedly in Toronto, it's pretty safe. But I did manage to dodge a sink-sized piece of ice falling from nearby roof-top this winter!
(ID #208322) Posted on 2008/06/09 14:10
Photographer/Night Auditor
You're right on the money about situational awareness, it will save your butt more often than anything else.
(ID #208546) Posted on 2008/06/09 20:25
student
That guy is such a dick. If he were tired of life, the logical thing would be to off yourself, not other people.
(ID #208212) Posted on 2008/06/09 12:01
argh...wtf is wrong with this guy?!?! if you are not satisfied with your life then go end it...then go about stabbing random innocent ppl...i hate these kinda of people...gawd...argh
(ID #208214) Posted on 2008/06/09 12:04
i meant "DONT go about stabbing random innocent ppl."
(ID #208215) Posted on 2008/06/09 12:05
That was my first thought when i read the newstory last night. If someone is tired of life, why take others down with you? I don't support or feel sympathy for suicide but taking your own life is better than going on a rampage. It just seems like a poorly used excuse with no value.
(ID #208224) Posted on 2008/06/09 12:14
I think it's more of a psychological thing.. he probably wanted the attention more than anything else.. and he sure has gotten it by now. Suicides will be in the news, then die out quickly, but when it's a killing spree the public will talk about it a lot more because anyone's at risk.
(ID #208263) Posted on 2008/06/09 12:53
ragnarok (Registered on 2007/12/25 14:35)
Maybe he was simply bored with life and this was his way of making it exciting.
(ID #208864) Posted on 2008/06/10 02:54
Anime & Ferrari fanboy
Though theres been a killing here I still do feel safe since it doesn't happen as often (from what I see). But reading what happened in West end Ottawa then reading this Japanese incident is messing with my brain.
(ID #208216) Posted on 2008/06/09 12:05
Jaina Solo Fan-boy! umm...Frozen food mangaer
God, i don't know if I should be depressed or angry.
(ID #208218) Posted on 2008/06/09 12:07
五〇一軍团 TK8316 Singapore Garrison Public Relations Officer
singapore is relatively safe but we have stabbing and murder cases every now and then. the recent one got a policeman firing at a murderer with a knife.
(ID #208223) Posted on 2008/06/09 12:14
Student and Miku Guardian
Well, after hearing this news, I do not feel safe when walking alone home at night.. Although there are police patrolling around the neighbourhood, you cant be too complacent with regards to your own safety.. I will pray for the quick recovery for the injured victims.. Hope there would not be any more notorious crimes happening in Akiba..
(ID #208225) Posted on 2008/06/09 12:17
engineer
Bottom line is that you're never truly safe in the world we live in. Those days are gone. There's a lot more crazy people out there than we would believe. I do believe that the fast paced world isn't for everyone and some people just can't hack it and completely lose it...expectations from family and friends might be too much. I think this was one of those guys. We may not ever know what the trigger was. Thoughts and prayers are with those that were hurt by this senseless violence.
(ID #208226) Posted on 2008/06/09 12:17
Here in my country some areas are really unsafe. But hearing that a person out of nowhere decides to kill people just because he can't stand life anymore it's pretty shocking.
(ID #208228) Posted on 2008/06/09 12:19
university student
I wouldn't pity or judge someone who wants to suicide, but people who are tired of life and even wants to end it can just end it without dragging other people. Somehow, I'm kinda scared of visiting Japan now.. not that I'm saying that other countries are safer, as there are many places that are still unsafe or even worse (like United States, China, HK seems kinda dangerous too), but it seems that in Japan there are more and more people killing others in the public place without any reason other than "I'm tired of life" and "I want to feel/try it". Maybe it's due to the society/daily pressure.. But well, I'm glad that even if the place I'm living in is not a completely safe place, it's still fine as long as you don't wander at night or at dark places.
(ID #208229) Posted on 2008/06/09 12:20
I'd really hate to say this but if they are looking for some "fun" then they better try and go down here (in my country) where usually "fun" is - in fact - so common to some areas and streets esp to urban places that once you start a fight , then it will be inevitable to go out - alive. But still, this one is another madness. They're reasonings is waaay more than an outrage , such blasphemy in vain it should not be tolerated by justice.
(ID #208236) Posted on 2008/06/09 12:24
Software Quality Engineer
I'm very, very sad. :( My blog post today is dedicated to the victims. http://brotherwormgear.blogspot.com/2008/06/akihabara-we-love-you.html
(ID #208241) Posted on 2008/06/09 12:31
The fact that anyone would have been fine, is what makes it disturbing. When one decides to take another human beings life because it was convenient to kill that person, makes the why hard to understand.
(ID #208246) Posted on 2008/06/09 12:38
Procrastinator Extraordinaire
I live in New Jersey and i never feel safe. Just the other day a half black/half white friend of mine was beat up by 5 black guys as he was walking home. they just jumped on him for no reason and kept calling him racial names while they beat him. Racism is still pretty much still alive here today. The other day they had to shut down the post office because of a bomb threat. sometimes i feel like I never left the violent streets of my homeland (Cotabato City, Philippines)
(ID #208249) Posted on 2008/06/09 12:40
Pokemon master
That "anyone would be fine" attitude is a very disturbing trend. :( This makes me wonder, how accessible is therapy in Japan? Are people encouraged to get treated for depression/stress? I'm sure if a lot of those people were able to work out their problems they wouldn't need to resort to taking the lives of others. My area is pretty safe. Though we did have a shooting incident recently and there were gang fights going on in the city north of mine.
(ID #208262) Posted on 2008/06/09 12:52
Software Quality Engineer
Unfortunately, while therapy *is* available throughout Japan, for people who seek it, but mental illness is still considered to be taboo. In general, people prefer to hide it or live in denial rather than address it and risk the humiliation of themselves or their family. It's a social phenomenon of sorts, as opposed to a lack of adequate opportunities for mental health care. :-( Chicago is a relatively unsafe place to live without a doubt. Nothing like THIS has happened here for a *very* long time, though. I think we're all accustomed to being on our guard and suspecting everyone around us all the time. It's rather sad. I certainly hope that I'll never, ever have to feel that way in Japan. That would make me depressed.
(ID #208284) Posted on 2008/06/09 13:16
Has anyone heard of the supermen thoery? Or Nietzsche? Or however you spell that? It may be a possible theory to explain his actions a little better and answer all those unanswered questions.
(ID #208265) Posted on 2008/06/09 12:56
Procrastinator Extraordinaire
I looked that up after seeing a Ricky Gervais stand-up routine. a theory about discarding the weak and uninfluential to society? hitler might've loved that.
(ID #208415) Posted on 2008/06/09 16:36
he has done that, its called Aktion T4 back then. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aktion_T4
(ID #208505) Posted on 2008/06/09 18:52
Procrastinator Extraordinaire
thank you for that informative and terrifying tidbit of information
(ID #209035) Posted on 2008/06/10 08:01
you're welcome, I kinda have a mixed feeling when I read the article as well.
(ID #209586) Posted on 2008/06/10 23:03
Hmmm... I've been wondering about that for a while now. Not the genocide, but the concept of passing on our issues to our children. How right/wrong is it?
(ID #208569) Posted on 2008/06/09 21:07
People have been killing each other since the begining of time, though usually, the killers feel they will gain something from their acts. I have always theorized that with certain types of people "Those who have no enemies feel the need to create enemies, and those who have no problems feel the need to create their own problems" Though this is just what I have gathered from personal experiences, nothing to really back my theory up. But I can imagine that in a clockwork society like japan, that there are primative survival insticts which lie dorment in peoples minds. Those who are too weak to control or ignore such basic instincts may create their own outlet for them, thus we have aimless murder. All I know is that I hope this stops soon, because I have a huge amount of respect for the Japanese for their low crime rate.
(ID #208266) Posted on 2008/06/09 12:57
In my city, we tend to get a lot of violent crime, so we tend not to pay too much attention when a few people get killed, maybe unless its the occasional gang shooting, but we don't get the random massive killings created by an random dude usually. Condolences to the people who were hurt in todays incident, physically and emotionally.
(ID #208270) Posted on 2008/06/09 13:03
Murder rates has gone up in my city. scary...
(ID #208275) Posted on 2008/06/09 13:10
growing up around a place where crime is low and than all of a sudden innocents are killed is a shocking impact. Here where i live its differences dat get people killed. Just because u were wearing this color or hanging around these people u could be killed. But i am even more shocked that innocents can be a target so easily to STUPIED people who think that killing is an accomplishment. This world is sometimes hard to understand and all we can do as people living in it is learn from incidents and try our best to prevent such things to happen.
(ID #208277) Posted on 2008/06/09 13:11
Engineer first, On-taku second.
誰でもよかった。。。 That's a little scary to hear, honestly. I don't understand how people can take murder/massacre so easily.
(ID #208287) Posted on 2008/06/09 13:18
I was actually surprised seeing this in the news. We get random shootings and stabbings every now and then where innocent people die and it doesn't even make it to national news, but stabbings all the way in Japan do?
(ID #208289) Posted on 2008/06/09 13:20
This stabbing, although sad to see, is similar to another case here in Norway, where a middle-aged male from Somalia stabbed people at random on a tram-car. This incident happened over 4 years ago. The driver of the tram-car saved the lives of the passengers by stopping & opening the doors, letting the passengers escape. The man was charged on the grounds of mental instability & sent to a mental institution. This caused trouble for many in Oslo, affecting the foreign community, especially affecting the somalian minority group. That person used a US army knife (a Kabar), and he is suffering from a post-traumatic disorder. Both incidents are traumatic and horrifying, but that doesnt change my views about safety in cities like Oslo or Tokyo. The more pressing question is... will the man be sentenced to life in prison or condemned to death ?
(ID #208290) Posted on 2008/06/09 13:20
addendum: I wonder if there is a support system for those with mental problems or something similar in Japan ?
(ID #208293) Posted on 2008/06/09 13:22
Japan is changing. I guess these kind of crazy case will be increasing. What can we do?
(ID #208295) Posted on 2008/06/09 13:24
My city is the murder capital of Canada, but I still feel relatively safe. I mean, I wouldn't feel safe in certain areas of the city at night (there are some shady-looking characters, even though the chances of something happening are probably far less than in, say, New York), but I avoid those places at night... I still look behind me when walking around at night or when there are few people around though. I don't like to listen to my iPod when walking around either, as I like to be able to hear people around me and such... I doubt I could feel "safe" anywhere.
(ID #208297) Posted on 2008/06/09 13:27
anime/cosplay events organizer
There are some areas here that are relatively safe and there are some which is not but I feel that I'm not always safe no matter if I'm at a safe area or not 'coz you will never know. Crime rate here is gradually increasing and the latest killings that happened here is the bank heist/massacre where the bank robbers not only robbed the bank but also killed all the bank clients, employees and even the security guards. Until know, the police haven't caught the perpetrators except for the "look-out" guy who gave himself up to the authorities.
(ID #208298) Posted on 2008/06/09 13:29
Kokoro Kotonoha's personal trainer
Actually i do not feel safe in my neighborhood. You can actually say i don't belong here but i'm the kind of person that cannot forget where i come from, otherwise i will never get to where i want to in life. You never forget where you come from and you should never be embarassed about it either. Los Angeles, California, U.S. may be about Hollywood, and celebrities and such but the true story about Los Angeles is not pretty. Now a days there are a lot of racial wars going on especially Latino's and African Americans slaying eachother almost everyday. Most say it's because of the number of Latino's increasing in the last couple of years taking all the jobs away from the African Americans and then others say it has a lot of gang related influence in it. Fortunately for me i live in Watts, a part of Los Angeles where we are neutral but the surrounding cities such as South L.A., Compton & Long Beach have a lot of racial tension that usually leads to homocides. And the police are doing diddly squat about it too. They are actually sitting back watching us exterminate ourselves because that's what they want us to do. Sad fact but it's true and you can ask about anybody in L.A. I don't have anything to do with this but the innocent people get dragged into it anyway. Young people as young as 14 or 15 years of age get slayed by gang members only because they feel that they may be from rival gangs. Or you can get killed in the streets of L.A. because of your skin color for belonging to an opposite gang of a certain ethnicity. Life in L.A. is a risk everyday. I wake up in the morning wondering what knuckle head i may run into that day and praying that i do not get harmed or involved. Especially when you come from the 'hood' and certain parts of Los Angeles. You can't really go anywhere in L.A. without stepping intio gang territory. Even your most decent parts of L.A. like West L.A. or Santa Monica is gang infested. Believe it.
(ID #208307) Posted on 2008/06/09 13:39
CHiLLiN
I live in carson man and i feel the same way. I hate waiting for the Metro after school. its really not safe to be anywhere alone
(ID #208313) Posted on 2008/06/09 13:48
Kokoro Kotonoha's personal trainer
I haven't been to Carson since the late 1990's. But i can imagine how much Carson has changed. The closest i've been out there is Lawndale and Gardena which was last year. I'm surprised there are even gangs named after the citites out there (Lawndale X3 & Gardena X3).
(ID #209298) Posted on 2008/06/10 13:44
Dropping computers, starting all over again at Journalism
Feeling safe in Brazil? Kinda hard. Though the city where I live, despite being a capital city, is not as violent as cities like Sao Paulo (already lived there) and Rio de Janeiro. But I can't remember random killings like that, apart from one case in which a guy started shooting people in the middle of a movie theater. Became a famous case because the movie was Fight Club. Thus, questions rising about violent movies and all. But stuff like what happened in Akiba doesn't only makes me sad, it also makes me mad, and also makes me think of the culture we live in today. Because one thing I'm shure won't solve problems like that: banning games and animes won't solve nothing. Problems like that goes deeper into our society and our culture. And it'll require more than superficial measures such as what people are doing now. Also, to those killers... anyone would do? Then KILL YOUR F*CKING SELVES. Or at least go seek some help or something.
(ID #208309) Posted on 2008/06/09 13:44
CHiLLiN
maybe he was forced to do it by the NHK. conspiracies !
(ID #208312) Posted on 2008/06/09 13:47
It's very safe over here. Never felt any threat walking at anytime of the day anywhere. The law is pretty strict here and I've personally not seen any 'live' fights, any bloody person lying on the pavement, whatsoever. Only had a bad experience with a group of young gangsters trying to pick a fight with me. The most are just car accidents. Seriously, screw that disillusioned psychopath. He should just hara-kiri himself and end his troubles.
(ID #208314) Posted on 2008/06/09 13:49
student
I always thought Japan was one of the safer countries. Time is changing now, violence is on the increase lately, in all countries. It's best to be more cautious of your surroundings. For me wherever I go, I would briefly scan the area every now and then. In Australia the crime rate is not very high, so it's quite safe. But I still think it's better to always keep your eyes open on your surroundings during the day or night.
(ID #208316) Posted on 2008/06/09 13:52
Engineer
What drives a person to a point to just kill people randomly? This is horrible news. Silicon Valley, in general, is pretty safe. Especially my particular neighborhood.
(ID #208323) Posted on 2008/06/09 14:13
Illustrator & Designer
It's always sad and scary to hear news such as these. I guess it's more devastating when it's in Tokyo where serious crime like these are not so common. This incident was all over the our news here in Australia last night on TV, too. Judging from what I've heard and read, it sounds like the killer wanted attention, since he did what he did in such a public, popular and busy place in Tokyo. Let's hope the injured people make it through ok.
(ID #208324) Posted on 2008/06/09 14:14
The scary thing would be the high Japanese suicide rates combined with this type of thinking (although in this case he didn't kill himself). But, if a lot of these would be suicide victims start deciding to take innocent people with them, then you got a big problem. In Toronto, we've been some bad times in the last 3 years with gun use. Yet I still feel perfectly safe walking around downtown at night by myself. Sad f'n day.
(ID #208328) Posted on 2008/06/09 14:23
Also, does anyone know if the vast majority of these types of crimes are happening in Tokyo or is it occurring all over Japan?
(ID #208332) Posted on 2008/06/09 14:29
Stabbings, homicides and mutilation cases are pretty normal in Malaysia (hometown) except that it rarely happens in broad daylight in the public like this case. My condolences to the victims and my greatest condemnations to the criminal!
(ID #208329) Posted on 2008/06/09 14:24
My condolences to the friends and families.
(ID #208337) Posted on 2008/06/09 14:34
I still fee pretty safe even after a robber came into the apartment complex and looted someone's apartment.
(ID #208339) Posted on 2008/06/09 14:36
study
dam he crazy kill people at akiba
(ID #208355) Posted on 2008/06/09 15:03
College Student
Man, this is sick. He kills people just to eliminate his boredom life.
(ID #208356) Posted on 2008/06/09 15:06
Crime is bad here. But i have never heard the phrase 'I just wanted to kill somebody' here.
(ID #208368) Posted on 2008/06/09 15:25
Computer Science Student
Since it's a small town it's really calm here, but being a headbanger our group have a lot of enemies from other tribes, who would give a toe to get a fight u_u'
(ID #208382) Posted on 2008/06/09 15:50
Born and raised in NYC, I've seen crime and the one thing I was do is prepare myself when I am outside. You have to a choice to become a victim or be cautious and always aware of your surroundings and never become a victim. Japan is getting a taste of the what the US has gotten the past few years with the younger kids committing these mass killings.
(ID #208392) Posted on 2008/06/09 15:57
DCX001-Prototype
I deeply share tears with the lost & casualties. Killing without any particular motive is the scariest thing to encounter.
(ID #208402) Posted on 2008/06/09 16:07
Student, Spiral Warrior
Taibei feels like a pretty safe city on the whole, though I hear it has its rough spots. These killings, and the "anyone will do" feeling behind them, strike me as eruptions of tension from the societal stress put upon people who can't bear it. Even if they were successful in school, like this latest killer, perhaps they didn't feel they had a particular purpose in life – a destination, as Danny would say – and their day-to-day was oppressive and unrewarding. We can only hope to prevent them from happening, but outbursts like this will probably always occur from time to time.
(ID #208409) Posted on 2008/06/09 16:28
*Disturbed* Condolences to those affected...
(ID #208411) Posted on 2008/06/09 16:30
We look forward to the life, do not give up easily. . . . .
(ID #208414) Posted on 2008/06/09 16:33
Absolutely tragic, can't even begin to imagine how the loved ones of the victims feel. As for safety here, violent crimes are on the rise - as a female I feel especially vulnerable and try not to go anywhere alone.
(ID #208416) Posted on 2008/06/09 16:37
It kinda depends on the time of day in my area for when I feel safe. Broad daylight is fine, when it's dark, not so much.
(ID #208417) Posted on 2008/06/09 16:40
student, vexillologist
When I get to live in San Diego more and experience more of the area to myself, I realize that I am lucky to be just here unharmed. I live near an area where cops usually die at, surrounded by Mexican and Samoan gangs and even my college is becoming a hotbed of gang activity. I have seen shanks planted near my college for high schooler teens to use. I still have concerns about Japan even before this incident, but I wonder how this event will shape my trip to the area next month.
(ID #208418) Posted on 2008/06/09 16:40
The killers should suffer like their victims. But it's really depressing to hear these news. Where's the Death Note Book when you need it...
(ID #208421) Posted on 2008/06/09 16:43
Procrastinator Extraordinaire
lol, Death note, who do think made this guy go wacko?
(ID #208425) Posted on 2008/06/09 16:46
i live very close to a lot of run-down areas in maryland-washington DC where a lot of bad things happen.. so no, i don't feel safe. BUT i don't let that affect my need to get out of the house and go out to do things. but wow, that's quite a killing spree in such a short amount of time. the sniper killing spree incident for maryland/DC/virginia was much scarier though because you couldn't even see the danger coming. for those who died in the tragedy though, may you rest in peace.
(ID #208424) Posted on 2008/06/09 16:46
Horrible. Just horrible. For me, Montreal is borderline safe. (gets worse sometimes late at night)
(ID #208430) Posted on 2008/06/09 16:56
Firstly, my condolences to anyone involved in the incident. As for Danny's safe question... if I'm ever walking anywhere, if I see someone waking toward me, I'd rather cross the road and walk on the other side, so I can get more distance between us than walk right past them. Call it paranoia, but this country is far from safe. =(
(ID #208437) Posted on 2008/06/09 17:11
although my country not many killing incident(maybe I do not know), but many robbery occur. why those people killing like ntg to them, it so :(.
(ID #208440) Posted on 2008/06/09 17:17
my condolences to the ones that were killed... Some of them were really young... but what got me was the death of the older person...
(ID #208442) Posted on 2008/06/09 17:21
Student
I'm guessing he went to Akihabara to kill because it was a Sunday and you know how busy Akiba gets ona Sunday. But still, I really don't get these kinds of people. Sounds harsh but I think they deserve death if they don't mind killing random passers by. London's not safe anymore -_- not really. Teenage knife crime is on the rise. Nearly once every fortnight someone in London has been stabbed. It's become ridiculous and a lot of the victims are people my age so about 14-18. Yet another reason to make me want to move to Japan even more xD
(ID #208447) Posted on 2008/06/09 17:25
student
no where is safe really. I just saw the Australian news on TV about this issue. "Japan's violent crime rate has been on the increase in the past few years". It could happen to anyone anywhere.... unfortunately
(ID #208463) Posted on 2008/06/09 17:48
Student
I feel safe in my area but there's one thing I learned over the years and that's to walk with all senses on alert even if you're in a security area. This doesn't change my view of Japan but it's something authorities should be thinking about, why the recent brutal attacks coming out of nowhere with the indiscriminate killing.
(ID #208462) Posted on 2008/06/09 17:47
PhysicsMajor/Someting/Photo/Pharm Tech
This a abomination to all that is decent and good for man. I feel sad that this world is unsafe that it makes me always on the notice on what others are doing around me. I had experiences at my work that involves theft, crack heads, just plain mean people and of course the armed suspect that is trying to reach for that gun. I feel that this is going to be a tough time and I could only prepare for it by vigilance and plain power of mind and body.
(ID #208465) Posted on 2008/06/09 17:51
Graphic Design student | Receptionist | Otaku
Condolences is extended to the families of those injured or murdered and also the parents of Tomohiro. It is a sad thing, to read that 'anyone would be fine' and that killing has become a simple act of child's play... In my country, crime has escalated to levels where walking around at night (even in good areas) would not be the safest option. I've considered living overseas after realising that living in my country would not bring incentives in terms of good education or living peacefully but, I guess it's not safe anywhere these days...
(ID #208470) Posted on 2008/06/09 18:05
saragnayan (Registered on 2007/12/19 16:43)
it's not totally safe where i live too. i guess the difference is that, here you'd be killed if you are being robbed or something and you put up a fight. what's scary about the incident in akihabara is the randomness of the whole thing and the intention of that person to just kill. that for me is scary. *shivers*
(ID #208481) Posted on 2008/06/09 18:20
Online Shop
I have to question why he has to kill anyone? What did those people do to him that he has any right to go out and hurt and kill so many people... It's just sad how most of those criminals work on such a selfish mind and who's there to blame, people around them or the society... I fear for 1-20 years later and how more dangerous the Japan or world will be.
(ID #208482) Posted on 2008/06/09 18:20
When i read this and saw the corresponding video, i couldn't believe what i had just seen. some damn maniac decides to go all the way there just to kill people, no reason, no motive, albeit killing anyone is bad enough what with how things are these days, people kill each other for meaningless reasons. some kill because they have no choice and are fighting a meaningless war, others kill for a pair of sneakers but in the end murder begets murder, violence begets more violence, war begets more war. we wonder why the world is so fsck'd up, we only need look at the justification that some people use to take another human being's life.... sadly, this is what's happening these days.... war is everywhere, death is everywhere and we wonder why kids get so screwed up? think about that, i know i'm being fatalistic but its the only way decribe this senseless slaughter and pointless loss of human life. my condolences to the affected families and loved ones. may god forgive the fool for what he did.
(ID #208488) Posted on 2008/06/09 18:27
also on a further note in regards to danny's question, here i my state, safety is ok, but just a few months ago we had the same situation, it was disturbing because the individual busted out assuaklt weapons on police officers killing 3 officers and injuring 4 others. the fool lead the cops through 3 counties and ended up getting shot on sight by the local law enforcement, it got so bad that when the cops were looking for him, they asked a garbage truck to empty out its contents to see if the idiot was hiding inside.
(ID #208492) Posted on 2008/06/09 18:32
Dog of the Country
i just saw some japanese news..they stated that he is said to be a top student in his junior high..but as soon as he got into high school, his performance started dropping. His personality changed as he became more secluded.. In one of his english compositions, he wrote that his personality is "crooked". And what he hates to be asked about is his past. 5 days before the incident, he quit his job in a car factory.
(ID #208501) Posted on 2008/06/09 18:39
Doesn't really change my view on Japan but the accident really made me sad=/ Overall, this whole accident is really depressing... The crime rate in my country and the city a live in is pretty high. Almost every weekend a few people get stabbed here and the police don't do shit... And aside from that, there's always the chance of a terrorist attack like a suicide booming and such. Used to happen every few months up to a few years ago. Don't really now if I feel safe. Now days I don't got out that much.
(ID #208503) Posted on 2008/06/09 18:50
Blogger and university student
I feel pretty safe here, I don't really look behind my back at night. I'm not really scared of being killed or physically abused, I'm more scared of being robbed since that's very common crime. I just try not to think about it, I can't walk around thinking that I might get killed...
(ID #208513) Posted on 2008/06/09 19:01
Hotdog Repairman
As the population in my city continues to grow, safety concerns have begun to grow with it. It is still safe during daylight hours, but one might be inclined to take extra precaution at night. It is indeed a sad day for Japan, but I still view it as very safe. The actions of this one deranged individual could of happened anywhere.
(ID #208515) Posted on 2008/06/09 19:03
Milan for men it's safe i think, all day long. For women it's not so safe in the night maybe
(ID #208523) Posted on 2008/06/09 19:33
Recently the style of murders here in japan and in the world are quite cold and brutal. WHY!!!? What happend was unspeakable and the loss beyond what anyone should be put through. When you loose someone to violence it`s life shattering. And the big question should now be what happend in that persons life, day or second for them to become so desensitized :( !!! Recently the style of murders here in japan and in the world are quite cold and brutal. I have lived in Japan for the past few years and I was raised in Brooklyn, New York. I have and have seen/encountered some cold senseless violence and I often had to talk people out of dangerous actions in order to protect my staff, friends and strangers. Looking back I`m lucky to be here a few times over. Coming to Japan was a positive change and I like it here! For the most part people are happy here but I often feel a sense of underlying tension. Many Japanese friends who have traveled the world/worked overseas and come back to Japan often say somethings here don`t make logical sense and no one tries to correct these things because the nail that sticks out gets hammered down !! mentally !! and are made to keep things inside until they don`t feel any more, leave and start over some were else or worse. To add to that most Japanese and foreign women have told me they don`t feel that safe and many sad and shocking stories as to why but they tend not to speak because nothing will be done. WHY???
(ID #208588) Posted on 2008/06/09 21:46
This is really saddening news indeed. I wasn't expecting this kinda stuff to happen in Japan much less in Akihabara. I read from my local newspaper that the last time a serious murder case as this happened was back around 7 years ago when some butcher went on a rampage killing kids.
(ID #208540) Posted on 2008/06/09 20:16
I live in the countryside in Japan and I feel very safe, aside from the giant hornets. This makes me very sad to see and I think it's a problem of society, not just here but in the US (my homecountry) as well.
(ID #208542) Posted on 2008/06/09 20:19
This is really sad to hear. I would expect a memorial ceremony to be held in Akihabara. It is interesting that you pointed out that these people randomly killed others, somewhat similar to the school shooting that occur in the United States.
(ID #208577) Posted on 2008/06/09 21:37
Student
this is crazy!!!!...it's kinda scary to go to japan now...haha....but i wanna visit Akihabara again!!!
(ID #208591) Posted on 2008/06/09 21:55
It found out that he is a otaku, according to a latest report. FNN says, He once remarked to his colleague that "I'm interested only in 2-D girls" at a karaoke bar, where he only sang anime songs. Apparently, this article was written with malice. How depressing...
(ID #208594) Posted on 2008/06/09 22:05
Web Designer
after I the entire article, it seems that, they had brainwashed by some underground club. they have the same statement. I hope the police may solve this case as soon as posible. They are the same as suicide bombing sect. Damn... Akiba is a holy place, why did they shed blood there.
(ID #208616) Posted on 2008/06/09 22:37
Dyslexic Social Studies student, struggling gundam modeler and gamer
Dammit, that guy's a nut bar! This is really sickening! He just killed innocent people while smiling and then he faints in front of a gun, ha that's just pathetic! Justice must be served!
(ID #208626) Posted on 2008/06/09 22:48
There's been a teen stabbing everyday in London so far this type of news to me is normal i dont find it any different from other news.
(ID #208629) Posted on 2008/06/09 22:49
How does anyone stop this kind of attack? People going after un-related strangers with no motive other than "it could be anyone". All in all, this is a tragedy.
(ID #208647) Posted on 2008/06/09 23:07
Hospital supply manager and Gundam pilot in training
I was at Narita airport when it happened. I was pretty shocked when I heard the news at first. But then when you think about the ammount of people in Japan, there's a good chance that a portion of this might be ''bad'' people. There's some all over the world, since there's good and bad in all of us humans. I'm pretty saddened about this. I enjoyed my stay in Japan a lot, but when I was there, I saw a man shoot himself live and this happened while I was leaving, thinking to myself that I would've like to have stayed longuer. But, Japan is no exeption and while I like the way of life and respect factor in Japan more than where I live now and that I feel safer there than here, I know we are humans and that it could happen anywhere... :(
(ID #208671) Posted on 2008/06/09 23:33
it so sad things like this happen all the time... reminds me of the maniac that drove into a demonstration crowd because he was getting impatient. see here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zAFIWrkIucA&NR=1
(ID #208690) Posted on 2008/06/09 23:49
Kinny Riddle (Registered on 2008/03/19 23:01)
Spread out on the front page of my local English paper. That guy is just sick. You know who to thank for giving all things Akiba-related more of a bad name. And I was planning on going to Tokyo sometime this year and visiting Akiba. Had originally wanted to go this month or next, but thanks to some delays from my friend, will have to wait till winter. While I dare not say whether it could have been me if I had went this month, it still sends a chill to have something like this happen in what's supposed to be a normal day.
(ID #208716) Posted on 2008/06/10 00:28
soon-to-be 2nd year Civil Engineering student
Condolences to those who were involved. Saw this on my local newspaper as well. Even though crimes had happened in my city before, but nothing as inhumane as this.
(ID #208720) Posted on 2008/06/10 00:34
at least we should learn self-defense..do u think it will help in times like this? well, all these news do made me think japan is becoming not safe to travelers...as anyone would be fine for the killer to kill. but even at my place, ppl getting more brave on committing crimes.. sunny day or on public where there a lot of ppl on the road..anytime is fine with them too now..what the hell lah..
(ID #208722) Posted on 2008/06/10 00:34
After I finish reading this post. I think that Akiba isn't safe place for me anymore. It likes you walk happily in peace and then there is a phyco with knife following you. The first time I thought Akiba isn't the safe place is when I watched Akihabara@Deep which is about the thief in Akiba. I thought that it's just a drama. Now if I go to Japan. (I plan to go with my friend after I graduate from the University.) I must have more awareness. Although Akiba isn't safe. Saparn Lek, Thailand Akiba isn't safe place to walk too but I never heard any case happening here.
(ID #208726) Posted on 2008/06/10 00:39
Student and full-time otaku
Thankfully this is a relatively safe country, but bad things happen over here too. But this thing in Akiba, now that I read the entire summary, seems even worse than when I heard it yesterday. Just pray that policy makers have the intelligence to understand that crazy + otaku does not mean otaku = crazy....
(ID #208728) Posted on 2008/06/10 00:39
Philadelphia leads the USA in murders and violent crime. Some nights you can actually hear the gunshots in certain parts of the city. This has nothing to do with weapons however. This has to do with areas that have become completely lawless. Not even the police will enter them after dark. Ironically, other areas are virtually crime free, even without police presence.
(ID #208755) Posted on 2008/06/10 00:52
Student, Otaku, She-Geek(Sheek lol)
It's really sad to think some people might start to blame the otaku culture... there have got to be other stabbings and stuff that don't relate to otaku... They're probably just picking the otaku-related ones out and publicising them more to make it bad for us... Because as I sad before, I really-really doubt anyone on this site is going to go homocidal. It's probably more to do with the persons background. That Kato guy had a messed up family life, violent father etc, that probably makes it more likely that unstable minded people like him will crack and go crazy...
(ID #208772) Posted on 2008/06/10 01:03
the different of criminal case between in japan and other countries is in japan lots criminal case done by psycho/crazy guy, while other countries done by lower level social people that doing criminal that still have reason in doing criminal and still have sense japan its said lots safer compared to other countries, indeed by when we read more about criminal case its more scary than usual criminal case we know
(ID #208773) Posted on 2008/06/10 01:04
nothing special. Some of people are crazy bastards. But police in Japan looks un-ready for fight. Comparing with mobs gunfight in our country in 90th - now crime rate is low. (nobody use IED and RPG on streets. rpg-18 shots is FREAKING LOUD ^_^ ) But as i know total crime level is close to US.
(ID #208778) Posted on 2008/06/10 01:10
I've always seen Japan as a place where the crime rate was low, but what crimes like this there are, are bizarre and brutal. When I go into the city (I live in a sort of suburb of Dallas, I guess, but they might as well be the same place), I don't feel very safe. I grew up in a small town with virtually no crime at all (all I can remember is a single bank robbery, and a prison breakout, the Texas 7). Then I moved to a big city where people are getting robbed and shot at and assaulted on a daily basis. So I've developed a bit of paranoia unfortunately.
(ID #208784) Posted on 2008/06/10 01:13
Poor Japan :( at least it's not like where I am from, Rochester NY. Around 3 times a week on the news there is a new Homicide. Somebody shot and killed for no reason, never a lead on the killer, police are just like "we see no motive or reason why." Man this world is really going down hill.
(ID #208786) Posted on 2008/06/10 01:15
この国は本当にどうしてしまったんだろう。 最近は酷い事件が多すぎる。 哀しいです。
(ID #208801) Posted on 2008/06/10 01:26
Programmer and Artist
I live in a place where there have been more than 400 cases of murder in the year so far. Of course I don't feel safe, both day and night. It's scary.
(ID #208803) Posted on 2008/06/10 01:27
Thats why I hate chan boards I think :S Abouth the poll I think a feel safe, i the city I live but not in the capital city.
(ID #208817) Posted on 2008/06/10 01:44
It's terrible what happened- even worse because it happened in japan which usually things like that don't. Very scary. Those words especially. That "anyone can be fine" shows just how little regard the man has for human life. I live in the UK now and I must say, compared to South Africa (where I was born) it's alot safer. I can walk to and from school etc. In SA there's burglar bars, concrete walls around your house...these days schools have electric fences... It's pretty dangerous- lots of stealing and robbery especially. I don't feel 100% safe, but I feel alot safer here in the UK.
(ID #208823) Posted on 2008/06/10 01:51
At 7:10, I included a poll in my article on this story that asked basically the same question you've asked about feeling safe. I was accused of trying to create an atmosphere of fear. But when random slashings (minor ones) are a weekly occurrence and you have three major attacks this year already like the one in Akiba yesterday, you can't treat this as a non-issue. I'm 30 mins down the way from Akiba on the Hibiya line, and normally it feels like a quick jump to get there; it feels even closer now. I can't explain. When you live in Tokyo, and you're in close proximity to hordes of people most of the time, you can't help but wonder if anyone just like Kato is in a nearby crowd, just waiting to launch an attack. Truth be told, I'm not that worried, but I found myself really scrutinizing people's faces on the Yamanote today.
(ID #208829) Posted on 2008/06/10 01:55
Not all country are safe because violence are everywhere,anyhow people that are carefree that what their doing is depending on its emotion in the environment or can we say learned the art of violence in TV or in the streets.
(ID #208856) Posted on 2008/06/10 02:40
I've already shared enough of my thoughts on the other post so all I have to say is rest in peace. These innocent people did not deserve this, at all.
(ID #208867) Posted on 2008/06/10 02:57
this incident has nothing to do with being an otaku. The man has some serious psychological problems it's just unfortanate that his delusions are directed towards something we love in common, ANIME. Given that there is no such thing ever existed to be known as anime he will still be doing that incident and find another thing where he can direct his delusions. Fortunately here in the Philippines the news has yet to be sensationalized by the local media. The moment they do i bet our senate and congress will join the band wagon and call for an inquiry directed to anime.
(ID #208875) Posted on 2008/06/10 03:17
Procrastinator Extraordinaire
Wasn't there a senator (Jaworski Jr. or somecrap like that) who wanted a ban on the sale of anime dvds and cds in the streets?
(ID #209041) Posted on 2008/06/10 08:04
In my city, exist a drug cartel named "Los Zetas" (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Los_Zetas) Until the last month, this group kill and decapitate young people every weekend because want to provoke fear. A few of e-mails has been circulate with threat like "don't leave your houses o suffer the consequence" The worst of all is both the press and the regional news keep silence becuse don´t want to cause chaos in the city... My apologize if don´t understand me, I just to make a post in this web (you are my idol Danny, I want to be like you!!!) And testing myself about my English... please, tell me if I´m wrong
(ID #208878) Posted on 2008/06/10 03:27
ops... make a mistake with the link... here the right one: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Los_zetas
(ID #208884) Posted on 2008/06/10 03:31
This just kills me man. What could have been going through the guys head in order to commit such an despicable act. To make matters worse, the police even took it easy with him. I mean when you see that the guy has already stabbed another person, shoot him, not to kill but to stop him, instead they chased him with their hands and sticks and they even got hurt too. And now, anime fans get ready for the onslaught of the press. They will sure flood the TVs with statements claiming that the killer enjoyed anime and was fond of the otaku culture. Sadly, this has already been talked about in my country.
(ID #208881) Posted on 2008/06/10 03:29
This guy is such a coward. He states that he's tired of the world, He should be KILLING HIMSELF, Not OTHERS. Him surrendering speaks it self that he can harm others but too much of a coward to bring harm to him self. He needs to be beaten and stabbed like what he did to the victoms.
(ID #208887) Posted on 2008/06/10 03:38
Aw, those poor victims... so sad. I don't feel safe in my area, lot's of 'bad' people living all around me. There's a lake close by where it's know that peoples dead bodies have been dumped in there. Not to mention tons of school shootings. I'm home schooled and when I have to go back to public school I'm gonna be real scared...
(ID #208893) Posted on 2008/06/10 03:49
was going through the bbc site this morning and then saw this and thought wtf! feel sorry for the victims. but i don't understand why other people didn't come forward to overpower or nab the guy? where i live it's safe even at 1 am at night, but it depends who u go out with and where u go out. the only thing dangerous would be the automobile drivers on the roads. i'm always on hair's end whenever i commute to and fro from my office.
(ID #208908) Posted on 2008/06/10 04:03
Part trooper, part -timer, 100% loser...
My condolences to those who passed away... What makes me mad is why he didn't just kill himself but took the lives of others... And now, because of him people are blaming it on anime... For the poll, I think it's safe here, crimerates are quite low...
(ID #208938) Posted on 2008/06/10 04:44
Relax we are doing great, here is a link to what I'm talking about: http://www.ted.com/index.php/talks/view/id/163 Aaaaaaanyway, I have got an idea, if they just, wanted to kill someone, why don't they go to nasty places where criminals are known to hag out? It will decrease the number of innocent people they hurt and will even make them heroes. There should be a campaign, "Please no killing but if you must, kill a drug lord instead".
(ID #208968) Posted on 2008/06/10 05:42
Crime happens everywhere in the world, and usually give out the wrong reaction. I hope the crimes at Akiba will not generate that sort of attitude. Why a wrong reaction? To give an example, there was a shooting at Virginia Tech, where many people died and fear increased naturally. However, the wrong reaction would be to transfer to another school. There will be a lot less students attending next year, and the school is naturally suffering from the events and decrease of enrollment. However, the crime rate has decreased a lot in that area. :/ See something ironic? I hope that a single crime doesn't change anyone's view of Akiba too much. Yes, people were killed, and my parents, like many others, want to help the victims in any way possible. However, i highly believe that any of them, if true otaku, will return to Akiba someday. I absolutely love that place, and will visit without fear, but rather pride for what fellow otaku have endured. (Naturally the police will increase its guard and be more prepared.)
(ID #208981) Posted on 2008/06/10 06:23
This fact is unbelievable and horrible, why not suicide rather than go on the street to kill others? how was this possible? The illusion of security is only useful for moving forward in life. I offer my condolences for the victims of this madness.
(ID #208987) Posted on 2008/06/10 06:36
My deepest condolences for the family of all victims who lost their lives in the Akihabara stabbings and I wish a speedy recovery for all the injured. This Kato guy deserves a visit from Enma Ai seriously.. He killed 7 people means he should be executed, revived and then executed 7 times!! I still think Japan is one of the safest country in the world, because this one man action does not reflect the whole Japan safety, so I definitely won't hesitate coming to Akihabara.
(ID #209036) Posted on 2008/06/10 08:03
Scientist, unemployed.
No, I don't feel safe. But I never really have, so that hasn't changed.
(ID #209045) Posted on 2008/06/10 08:07
Renimar in a handbasket, wondering why he's there or where he's going (Registered on 2008/04/16 06:23)
Jedi 626
My question is when (and who) the Japanese version of Jack Thompson comes out and crusades against anime and manga for being the root of all the problems with "the youth". Because you know it's just a matter of time.
(ID #209094) Posted on 2008/06/10 08:45
Procrastinator Extraordinaire
i think its a woman politician, there was an article about her here in DC iirc. people like that will eventually fail though, look at Jack-ass Thompson now, he's about to be disbarred for 10 years.
(ID #209102) Posted on 2008/06/10 08:50
man thats just crazy... My condolences to the victims and the victims families.
(ID #209131) Posted on 2008/06/10 09:18
Programmer/IT/Student
Nope, i can never really feel 100% safe in California. There are gangs and such everywhere, if you happen to say something someone doesn't like or even if they don't like the way you look or act they may try to do something to you, be it beating up, stabbing, or shooting. That's why I also tend to stay away from areas where gangs are especially prevalent.
(ID #209142) Posted on 2008/06/10 09:52
reminds me of virginia tech... Im a Korean American living in LA and when that happened I was shocked. the whole korean community was in shock~!!! til this day no one knows y the guy killed over 30 ppl. This is a tragic event in Japan, and my heart is towards the family who lost their loved ones...
(ID #209189) Posted on 2008/06/10 11:29
and right now, there's a documentary showing in TV about the worst shooting in American History. if I were to share some few events, there was a shooting in Macdonolds, a guy who lost his job got pissed and randomly walked into the restaurant and started shooting. There were kids as well, having thier happy meal. The secound worst shooting in American history was the Columbine high school which we all know and the worst was the Virginia Tech. The TV show was actually ranking the events which were the worst... but whatever the matter, ppl died in every events. Most of the ppl who died through out the events, they were just having a normal day until a random person showed up and started bursting out bullets. In America, you have to watch out for your back even while you're ordering a big mac combo. Especially when you make it a super size.
(ID #209215) Posted on 2008/06/10 11:50
we need to arm ourselves with armours soon
(ID #209310) Posted on 2008/06/10 14:02
Crime? In Singapore? Rarely. Most people are too afraid of the punishment. If its one thing I like about this God-forsaken country, its the damn safety. Oh course unless you walk around the more remote areas and swing your e-penis around like some mofo.
(ID #209313) Posted on 2008/06/10 14:19
CEO MIrai Inc
Do folks do that?
(ID #209317) Posted on 2008/06/10 14:22
五〇一軍团 TK8316 Singapore Garrison Public Relations Officer
nope. haven't seen it before. thankfully. ('~')
(ID #209344) Posted on 2008/06/10 14:57
This is the most sad history of Akihabara during the last years...
(ID #209333) Posted on 2008/06/10 14:44
Kids this day, they think killing is fun. whats wrong with them. Yeah, sure, kill may be fun, but just the because they feel like it, they go around and kill people?
(ID #209338) Posted on 2008/06/10 14:49
Chef, Full fledged Otaku, Full time Observer.....
sad day indeed for akiba... goshuushousama...(my condolences) hope all the injured make a full recovery soon... but this is indeed madness...
(ID #209386) Posted on 2008/06/10 16:05
Polytechnic Senior, Bronze Lifesaving Trainee, Mech Designer, Pokemon Indexer.
I can see the fall of the hammer on otaku communities... My condolences to the families who lost their loved ones in the event. I hope that killer gets whatever he deserves. Do I feel safe? No. Not with a mental living right above the family flat.
(ID #209472) Posted on 2008/06/10 18:23
I`m indeed shocked Danny ....God... around here it is not safe too...but why he did that.. i really feel bad about it ...these kind of things and in Akihabara ....i have a mix of feelings ....
(ID #209923) Posted on 2008/06/11 08:17
animefreak222 (Registered on 2007/05/27 13:58)
'the problems of society is the individual itself.' may the lord have mercy on him.
(ID #210584) Posted on 2008/06/12 03:25
.NET/Web Developer
This kind of crime doesn't really change any of my views about japan. Overall the crime rate in japan is still lower than that here or of other countries. It's sad to hear something like this happen especially when it happens to innocent people who have no idea whatsoever what's going to happen. I always watch my back and my surrounding no matter where I am even when I know that crime rarely happens in one place.
(ID #210932) Posted on 2008/06/12 11:50
They're terrible! >_< Well, as for my region, the crime rate is quite high I think. If you watch the news, there's at least one killing reported, moreover, the trend of the killing these days is mutilation (chopped the corpse's body parts) >_< The motives... well... as far as I concerned even the slightest thing (ex: insults) can be the trigger of those killings.
(ID #211197) Posted on 2008/06/12 16:21
Thats really scary.. People are so stupid. Im safe in my region. I hope.
(ID #211442) Posted on 2008/06/12 21:24
Unemployed bummer
i was very sad while watching the video halfway that i decided to close the page. but came back to comment that it's very terrible that because of a single person's personality/social issues, innocents have to die. in Singapore, such things have been occurring more frequently but i guess it upsets me more that same thing is happening in Japan as that country is my 'utopia' in a sense. hope that the govt can help to identify the social issues that gave rise to this as many such issues arise during schooling?
(ID #211578) Posted on 2008/06/13 01:01
I know I am going to be hated for saying this, but it's not an outrageous leap to make linking the killer's interest in (potentially violent) manga to having some influence on the horrific crimes he perpetrated. just sayin..
(ID #211812) Posted on 2008/06/13 08:29
I live in a safe neighborhood. But at school, I'm friends with a fellow otaku named "Tomohiro Sato" (as opposed to Tomohiro Kato). I guess it's a common name, but I still hope that it's simply a coincidence 0_o... He can't drive yet, so that's a relief.
(ID #211830) Posted on 2008/06/13 08:49
Recording Engineer, Musician, IT Technician
I don't consider anywhere to be 100% safe. However, Princeton is pretty safe to walk around at night.
(ID #211899) Posted on 2008/06/13 09:56
I would normally say where I live in the suburbs is safe, but I can't. Just months ago, I had to fend off against a daytime house invader/robber with my kitchen knives. I'm feeling pretty lonely, scared and paranoid ever since. And thanks to that, I definitely want to hurt any robber who tries that again, even if it means offing them.
(ID #212305) Posted on 2008/06/13 19:36
in my state (Texas) the cops encourage you to shoot t kill any house invader they come to high school s tel senors what to do in case of a break in and that s grab your gun knife lamp and kill th intruder than call the cops and the corner but thats here an its like tht becuz of frivlus law suit cuz if th crock hurts them self or you hurt them tey can come back and sue you and most likey win
(ID #212858) Posted on 2008/06/14 12:11
well i kive off base so it would be a bad idea to break in to my house evin wrose idea to attack me in public seeng how iam alway have my m9 berreta with me and state laws say if iam attacked i can shoot to kill without waring god i love texas the mos unsafe place to be a crook
(ID #212861) Posted on 2008/06/14 12:24
that video was so intense that i couldn't keep watching it, i'm really sorry about those people (they're living a better life now). it's really sad....
(ID #213344) Posted on 2008/06/15 04:33
That's just terrible, but I'm used to news like that...just not with that many people. In my city alone, over the past few months several teenage boys have been attacked randomly. Several have died. There was no motive, and half the attackers have never been found, or were let go because they were underage. It's a sad world. I hate living in it.
(ID #228500) Posted on 2008/07/03 12:04
Naruto Manga (Registered on 2008/08/13 09:53)
so sad things like this happen.. :( do you want to know<a href="http://www.lookpdf.com/3567-how-to-draw-vampire-hunter-d-pdf.html">how to draw manga</a>?
(ID #264274) Posted on 2008/08/13 10:01
Graphic Designer, Biker, 501st Heavy Trooper
I don't feel safe here either :( luckily it is fine to go around wearing an iron plate inner suit here, so i did that and always wear a hard biker's boot just in case, what about in japan?
(ID #548265) Posted on 2009/04/04 04:28
I live in a city where the crime rate is one of the worst in the United States. People get killed everyday but most have motives. There are cases in which innocent people are randomly killed but not because "anybody would be fine". I carry some type of weapon wherever I go.
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