Another Akiba Incident
A police discovered a swiss knife being carried by a person after doing a random spot check. The officer then called for backup and arrived on the scene were 18 of his police officer buddies.
The knife in question was 5cm long - Japanese law permits knifes up to 8cm to be carried (source).
The knife carrier was questioned for 2 hours and said the swiss knife was used for bike repairs.
More pics of the incident at Akibaos and Akibablog.
Do you or people you know around you carry knifes - swiss or otherwise?
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Student
http://najica.wordpress.com/
well, i dunno about the knife law here in sweden ^^; either way i think its good that cops have (?) higher security now, so that there wont be more knife-stabbing events
http://www.wotakunow.co.uk/
I can imagine the police will be in 'overkill' mode for a while, in akihabara especially.
I didnt know you repeaird bikes with knifes ...
Anyway weapons are all around us everyday ... didnt Jackie chan teach us anything?
nada
Yeah, my brother uses a swiss thing aswell for bike repairs, there are a couple of special swiss knives with bike oriented tools inside, pretty nifty.
Web Design & Development
http://www.nerdculture.org
Yeah, screwdrivers are useful for pretty much anything and some of those knives have PSI checking things and a little tool thing for prying the tire off of the bike's rims to replace tubes. Ny uncle, who used to be a serious mountain biker has one that can store a few tube patches in it and has a little sanding tool to sand around any holes in the tube to make the patches stick better.
MS pilot
LOL!! 18 officers for a guy with a 5cm swiss army knife? wow...overkill
Student
Psychosis for the last Akiba incident ( i don´t blame them)
Otaku-Lolikon-Student
http://otaku-aiko.blogspot.com/
I bet the police in my country will be too lazy to spot check anyone.
you can even actually pay them like RM10(around 3USD) and ask them leave you alone. well, this is how corrupted my country are oTL
Chef, Full fledged Otaku, Full time Observer.....
i know the feeling...
seems the aw enforcement in msia is getting worst...
2nd year Civil Engineering Student
http://soonkiong.blogspot.com
Police here doing spot checks? Seriously, they do that here? Doesn't that only happen in our schools? ^^;;
Game Designer
http://toratohora.blogspot.com/
RM10(USD 3) is call Kopi(coffee fee), which is cheaper
more "serious" "offence". or when they in need of "income" they might prefer Nescafe which is around of RM50 (USD15),
this could help to solve many problem in malaysia~
like once when i order 4 models from Japan which cost about RM300 (US90), they will find ways to say "this have to pay tax of 5% and the applications fee, form fees, delivery fees tax...........) and ended up about RM180 (USD 54) tax fee....then I just pay RM50 by saying "boleh (can) tolong-tolong (help)?"
2nd year Civil Engineering Student
http://soonkiong.blogspot.com
LOL. I try to avoid ordering figures from outside Malaysia in order to avoid these kinda stuff. Pretty sad sight, plus I'm not the one who'll succumb to giving away bribes that easily.
Student and Digital Racer
http://omegaz33tsp.wordpress.com/
It looks like Japanese people like overhype-ing something.
It made me remember one of episode of Sayonara Zetsobou Sensei ^^
Researcher
Some years ago (5, before I went to USA for a while) I carried my swiss knfie everywhere here in Mexico. Never had a problem with it and it was very helpful to have with me. When in USA I stopped carrying it around since laws there can be very tricky. I didn't want to get in trouble in a country that it's not my own. Now back in Mexico, I keep my swiss knife either in my desk at work (close to Rei and Asuka) or with all my cables and electronics at home. My father also carries his swiss knife almost to everywhere.
Magazine Editor
http://www.hobbymedia.it
I'm (half) Swiss so for me it's really funny to see 18 "supermen" together for a Swiss knife kepts in a bag... they should learn Japanese laws before trying to harras Japanese citizens who actually pay their wages...
Anyway, this is nothing compared to what they have done in Kamagasaki friday night (the video has never showed up in any Japanese TV News)...
http://blog.gamersweb.it/post/1206955375/
Hope that we will never have scenes like this in Akiba...
Hikikomori in the making
http://supermariabros.deviantart.com/
People here aren't allowed to carry weapons here...
LOL 18 officers... Wow, just wow... Poor guy had to undergo 2 hrs of interrogation...
McMaster Mechanical Engineering & Management II
http://www.virtualinfusion.net/
If the guy handed over his knife to the officer for the checkup, it can already be guessed that the guy is non-resistant. So why do they need 18 officers to further detain him? ^^; Maybe those other officers had nothing better to do?
Myself-finder
to show off how much one single buy with a non-law breaking item can cause such a distraction
Senior Software & Systems Developer
I always carry my knife with me (Leatherman Surge). It has a 9cm long straight as well as serrated locking blade. It often comes in handy and I never go anywhere without it.
Game Designer
http://toratohora.blogspot.com/
hmm~
can tell why?
is it not save there?
If I would have to carry one,I would prefer to carry a katana instead...or a wakizashi
Senior Software & Systems Developer
The knife is actually quite useless for self defence. More of a useful tool for doing stuff like changing plugs, opening servers, fixing the car, opening packages, opening milk boxes, etc....
Mercenary
wow 18 officers sent in just for one guy who is only a possible threat.
isnt one guy with a gun enough.
Custom Arcadestick builder
http://twitter.com/dryrice
Haha! I'm just laughing that 18 cops arrived for a Swiss Army Knife! That thing cant do crap, its all about the Leatherman now thats a real pocket multi tool :D
hikikomori
orz hysteria always happens after attacks.
I nearly always carry a Leatherman Micra with my keys or on my person (3.8cm blade). Scissors, screwdrivers is always handy.
I sometimes carry a Gerber multitool mostly for its pliers (has a rather dull 5.8cm blade), when I may need to repair something but don't expect it.
Since I would not want to lose time explaining myself to authorities like this guy, I know better than to carry my pocket knife (8.5cm blade) outside of home, unless I require it. I have yet to find such a situation.
Polytechnic Junior, Bronze Lifesaving Trainee, Mech Designer In-training.
http://thehangerbay.wordpress.com/
18 men to one? It's like killing a cockroach with the Zeong.
Well, they were doing their job, so they get 999 cookies from me. minus 997 for sheer overkill.
3D artist
http://andyh.cgsociety.org
Swiss army knife?? Big deal! They have loads of other tools that are useful for more than just stabbing! I heard that some otaku carry knives anyway to protect themselves from 'otaku hunters'!
Ship welder, IT Guy, Rotary Fanatic
I carry a switchblade everywhere with me. The reason being is that Im a mechanic and i am used to having my blade in my chest pocket for when I need it.
I use my blade for everything....and I mean everything. From cutting belts, to slicing spam hahaha :D (of course I clean it before cutting anything ediable)
Self defense is pretty much down my list of needing a blade.
Student
http://iish.wordpress.com/
Wow, if i go there, i be dead.
I always bring my swiss knife along with me. Everywhere
IMAX Projection Operator
18 officers and 2 hours eh? that's pretty sick. i'm sorry to hear about that.
Kokoro Kotonoha's personal trainer
http://loli1983.wordpress.com
Damn, the Akiba cops aren't fooling around. They are cracking down on knives hard out there.
And yes, you are allowed to carry consealed knives in L.A., and there is a certain limit in size out here as well.
But for the most part, knives are a thing of the past. Everyone has to have a gun now. Though guns are more dangerous and give a higher risk of killing someone, a bullet seems less painful then getting stabbed, shanked or cut up.
Student
http://animestuff.wordpress.com/
Well I find it normal for the police to be concerned at this moment, they don't want the same thing to happen again, but questioning the guy for 2 hours is a bit to much. We are allowed to have swiss knifes here but if the cops catch you with one be ready for some questioning to.
Sometimes I walk with one to cut of some cheese or another home made beverages made in the mountains every time I go there ^_^
Game Designer
http://toratohora.blogspot.com/
hmm~
so next time if i want to be on Dannychoo.com's headline I should carry a less than 8cm swiss knife at Akiba !
hmm~ good idea!
(X, joking~)
Student
Japanese police are so retarded... I swear, they're the most useless police force I have ever seen in my life.
Not only do they not know how to deal and assess real situations properly, they also don't know how to handle in an emergency (kinda like the subway gas attack a while back, where they had to call in police forces from America cause they had no clue what to freaking do.
18 cops to one guy with a short swiss knife blade is TOTAL overkill, and not to mention it's a blade within legal proportions...
2nd year Civil Engineering Student
http://soonkiong.blogspot.com
You haven't seen our police yet. Don't even get me started on them.
Physical Therapist
http://www.flyingpussyfoot.com
I carry my Swiss Knive all the time with me.Its soooo useful (especially the can opener^^)
You can carry knives that arent obvisiouly weapons up to a specific lenght with you over here in germany.
Well you shouldnt try to get with a knive in a club or meet a politician but on the streets and everyday life its no problem
Raven, AMV & MAD maker, Otaku
http://www.youtube.com/profile?user=last0raven
dont these police people know Mcgyver. . .
Artist/Flash Programmer
http://wcloudxkumo.wordpress.com/
It's good that they are trying to keep Akihabara a safe place...but to be honest...that's just over the top.
Photographer/Night Auditor
http://hillbillyotaku.blogspot.com/
I always carry my CRKT M16-10k. You never know when you might need to use one....to open boxes.
That's pretty freaking lame and way overkill what the police did.
Overpaid Computer Nerd
http://www.flickr.com/photos/rboyett/
Law abiding citizens are allowed to carry concealed handguns with a permit.
Yes, I have one and carry it regularly. Some parts of Dallas can be pretty dangerous. At one point it was the murder capitol of the world.
Student and full-time otaku
Nope, don't carry any. Like everyone should imo. Just recently a teacher here was threatened by a student who pulled out a knife after an argument. Still, this is going overboard, but on the other hand, better safe than sorry huh?
PhysicsMajor/Someting/Photo/Pharm Tech
http://www.cadha13.com
I carry a Victorinox multi tool and I use it everyday. From using the pliers to using the serrated knife for cutting open boxes. I think it is a shame that a multi tool like that to be considered a weapon only. I probably carry my box cutter if that's the case.
not again.....
getting alot of attention lately in akiba.
dont carry the swiss utility tool unless going for BBQ, shalet or camplng.
understand some has it for work purpose but i think one should not carry it after work or when off duty. it will always send the wrong signal or purpose first when reasoning.
eg : you dont carry a penknief or scissor with you after you return home and go out with your frens.
if i didnt remember wrong, not allowed to carry items sharp or pointed in singapore that can be consider a weapond.
Prologue: I have a time machine.
Everyone is bagging on the cops. While I agree that 18 police officers for one swiss army knife is way over kill (and questioning the guy for 2 hours) they are on high alert after the last incident. This always happens when something big like that happens. There's a big show made for a while, then things slow return to normal.
I'd like to see the guy that was carrying the knife. It would be hilarious if he was a salary man.
Student
http://www.flickr.com/photos/kmyk88
I got a swiss army knife for my bf this valentines, I was gonna get one for myself as well. I thought it would be nice to have scissors to cut things if you needed them on the road.
and omg, 18 officers for backup?! and I thought the police over here had nothing to do....
pervert
i used to carry a swiss knife on me but stop carrying it after the school started checking bags
Typographer
http://www.vicfieger.com
I know this is impractical, but this ridiculousness is enough to warrant it. Everyone should just stop shopping in Akihabara until the police agree to treat that earlier rampage for the isolated incident it was. If people stopping giving their money to the businesses in the area these Deputy Dawgs would fold like a paper crane. Not likely, though, I know.
Seeing red!!!
That seem too much but at least they try to preven that from happening any way...
CSU student/accountant
http://rantingsofadiehardharuhiist.blogspot.com/
I carry a knife with me everywhere I go since you never know when you'll need one. My dad insists that I carry one since it comes in handy in car accidents when the seatbelt wont come undone. He constantly tells me the story on how a police officer couldn't pull a lady out of a burning car since he didn't have a knife to cut her free and my dad just happened to be driving by and was carrying a knife with him. The laws here in the US are the same as in Japan, you can carry a concealed knife as long as its not longer than 3 inches.
hikikomori
Just want to say that the law varies enough depending on the state.
Art Student/Freelancer
http://jenarwen.deviant.art.com
Because I'm an art student I've carried OLFA exactos which are illegal in some countries ^^;. I also sometimes carry scissors since they are useful to have. One time I brought a wooden sword home on transit, and this old woman was all hysterical "OMG THAT GIRL HAS A WEAPON" =_=. But I know a lot of people who carry weapons since their are some gangs in my neighbourhood as well as the notorious Hells Angels. My one friend even carries portable bear spray since she goes for runs early in the morning, and she is in kendo so she goes a lot of places including on transit carrying kendo sticks.
But I can see why the police are a little worried since swiss army knives are very portable, and even though you wouldn't probably do much damage you could still hurt some one.
But I can just imagine some couple buying new knives for their kitchen in Akiba and being sent the police station or something XD
full time student, 60% of the time.
http://www.games.dcu.ie
wow in fairness, this guy needs to cop on! Think to himself "maybe carrying around a knife in an area where there was a knifing spree might be a bad idea."
He should have been arrested for being a moron.
Programmer
http://www.nowloading.co.uk
I have a tiny multi-tool because I do a lot of home visits to repair PC's, it has a one inch blade, both screwdriver bits, torch (for nosing around for those screws you always drop inside) and pliers. It wouldn't do much damage if I decided I really had to hurt someone with it (as if, I did ninjutsu for years), my bunch of keys would do more damage.
Dropping computers, starting all over again at Journalism
http://immalion.com
Paranoia.
We all have a good dose of it by now after terrorist attacks.
But this actions isn't justifiable...
Kinda like the Boston incident or Macbook Air = bomb.
Otaku
http://otakudeals.com
Yeah, it's going to be in overkill mode for a while. It's to show everyone not to mess around. The cops want to put on a show to deter other people from even thinking of doing anything stupid.
Government Agent
http://icepick314.dvdaf.com/
okay....i guess they're on "HIGH" alert but 18 cops against ONE guy with small pocket knife???
talk about bad resource management...
Journalist
oh my god...stupid cops,,, how can they think a killer use swiss knife for his omicede??
Tha killer maybe can screw the victim??
Student
That might be suspicious, but its still a bit too much for the cops to be over-dramatic about.
Plus, you scared me with the title Danny...
study
too many police leecher
Library Technician
I'm a proud owner of a Gerber 3.75" and 4.25" combat folders (folding knives, dunno why they called it a "combat folder"), and I carry them with me regularly when I go out. I actually have another 3" throwing knife that comes with its own chain on the sheath and a set of two throwing dirks. Ironically, the dirks are quite sharp and since the blade is short, I use it when making model kits (good for trimming and smoothing rough parts).
I grew up in not the best of neighborhoods so the paranoia of getting mugged, albeit not constant, is still present. Things such as the Akiba incident reinforce my belief that when shit hits the fan, you may be forced to defend yourself for a bit before the cops get there.
In Maryland, there isn't a maximum limit on the length of a knife that a person can possess (over 1ft blade =/= knife), but if you are forced to use it, then it's up to the city to decide if it was reasonable. I worked as a door-to-door knife salesman for a while.
Student/Daemonhunter
well, here in the US you can carry guns if you have the right permits, so.................
yeah, I think knives are fine.
I used to carry a Swiss knife around. It's mainly useful to open up packages, especially prodcuts where they seal it so well that you have to use a knife to open it up. Before during work I also used it as a screw driver to open up computers.
But recently I stopped carrying one, because I always forget to take it off when I goto an airport, court [for jurty duty], or some other places where weapons of any form aren't permitted.
University Student
Wow!!!! Totally overkill please.
Our law in Canada is, as long as the blade is not longer than your palm, from your pinky, to your index finger, it's legal to carry around =).
It'll be hilarious to see what these japanese police officers find next, watch they catch a guy with a nail filler, and overkill him
-1
http://necrophadian.blogspot.com/
imagine how they'll react if it was a bowie knife . they'd probably call Ultraman or something. jeezus, 18 cops, such a fuss for a itty-bitty swiss knife...
http://myanimelist.net/animelist/Xipe
Well, I dun think a swiss knife is such a big deal, some people need to use them for their jobs and stuff, I still think he needs to be questioned but 18 officers surrounding this dude for a swiss knife is just ridiculous, what if some dude who is really carrying something dangerous is around and this morons are busy surrounding a person cuz of a swiss knife.
???Confused???
Geez at the rate these guys are going, I wouldn't be surprised if they sent out a swat team for a guy with a broken bottle of beer...
IT monkey/consultant
I carry a knife everywhere. It is a tool, and one that comes in handy on a daily basis.
I cannot imagine experiencing this nonsense, and knowing that this actually happened makes me ashamed to be a human being.
mechanic
http://mangarabbit5000.deviantart.com/
me i carry a knife on me all the time, never know when u might need it. plus i use it for work alot, good 4 a mechanic when needing to cut a hose, or open parts boxes.
Online Shop
http://wildarms.egloos.com
I don't think any of my friends carry around swiss knife. I guess Akihabara police are on high alert due to the incident from last week, scary +_+
Overman
http://myplasticmoustache.blogspot.com/
I always carry a knife kit around for those emergency situations where some breasts need filleting, or some ribs need carving.
Used to carry a jack knife around when I used to to be more prodigious in my Arnis training in high school (heck my whole team did).
student
http://zephi-san.deviantart.com/
I don't know anyone here who carries knives around. Even if they do, they wouldn't be telling others.
It's good that the police are so cautious about it, even though it's legal it's a legal sized knife.
Seriously though, I don't see any reason why people should be carrying any knives in the first place.
IT engineer
http://secretzone81.wordpress.com/
I was there at the time when the man first got corner by police.. was around like 6-7 police there. Left right after that cos didnt want to be caught in the crowd (just in case any guy goes crazy)
Admin
Personally, I wouldn't carry a knife - even if I own one - to a place where someone just knifed 7 people to death a few days ago and police presence is all over the place.
But maybe it's just me.
Student of LIFE!
AKIHABARA PARANOIA INCIDENT
a little boy with a pair of scissors mauled by 20 police officers.... :P
Toy hunter
I carry a small swiss knife in my keychain, and I think it's probably the most useful thing to carry in a pocket.
I use it to open the package of toys I buy over lunchtime.
I am not aware of any local legislation regarding this, but I guess anything under 10 cm is OK to carry around.
Manga store owner
http://www.otakuland.org
Japanese police is a little exagerrated... what will happen if they find someone with a cosplay sword? Do they call the army?
Student, Uncle & hopfully a good husband..
Was around akihabara a few days ago...before the incident...thank god didn't see anyone with knife...or insane drivers...
aspiring to become a doujin and graphics artist cum lawyer
http://aki7.bottled-wish.info
wow that was utterly ridiculous. I mean, I carry around a swiss knife for the spoon and fork and the scissors....and...and for er...self defense.
While i know a swiss knife can make you bleed and kill, such a practical item shouldn't be treated like it's death O_o;;;
オタク all day long
http://www.nekomagic.com
I think the cops are over reacting. =/
Limousine Driver
Two hours of questioning by that many police officers over a legally owned swiss army knife? If they were trying to alienate the populous i would have to say there off to a great start.
Perv
I carry from time to time and was planning to carry it when visiting Akiba (for protection from guys like Tomohiro Kato [the infamous stabber]). But now it looks like I'll have to beat the guy and take his knife to defend myself.
Scientist, unemployed.
http://fmphoenixhawk.livejournal.com
My father does, but he's a cop, so he has a conceal-carry license which covers knives.
So I guess I'll have to take my nunchaku with me if I ever go to Akhibara. Or maybe my katana. What are the sword laws in Japan nowadays?
Pre-press specialist
http://echoofforgottenflowers.blogspot.com/
Its great that they are being more cautious since the incidents, but that is definitely overkill. I think where I live I can carry a 6 inch blade without a conceal and carry license. Sometimes its a good idea not to carry one though. I have one in my car for emergencies.
I used to have a small swiss army knife hanging off my keys. I had them in my coat pocket when I went to visit my friend in England and airport security didn't notice anything. Only when I arrived did I notice I had carried a proper knife on the plane.
God of the Overlords
ok the cops DID overeact, It's just a knight for Overlord Zetta's sake "-.-" anyway I cound carry a sword here (I do must of the time when I go to my classmate house and no cop would complain about it.
Musician, Sound Engineer, Student - Currently Military (2yrs)
http://abanzai.animeblogger.net
Sounds like a logical law, but quite a few people carry around bigger pen knives or swiss knives for personal convenience, just like the guy in the article. Poor fella must've been treated like a criminal.
Otaku, Software Developer
Alright....
18 cops interrogating you for 2 hours because you
have a tiny pocket knife? Thats crazy.
While in Nihon, i won't bring any sharp objects with me, just to be safe.
Moon Blogger
Pretty much everyone I know has a knife they cart around. I myself have a swiss army knife for not real reason other than to just have one, could be used for defense as well in a worst case scenario. Okinawa is pretty safe though, so... yeah... When visiting Tokyo I'll my knife here.
PT Supervisor at UPS
note to self don't carry any length knives while in japan, I wonder what type of interrogation they would do to a gaijin or how much longer it would take