TOKYO

In a tragic and alarming incident, Japanese police launched an extensive manhunt on Sunday for a man who fatally stabbed a junior high school female student and injured another teen at a McDonald's restaurant in Kitakyushu, Fukuoka Prefecture. The shocking attack took place around 8:30 PM local time on Saturday, catching the victims off guard as they queued to make their order.

According to reports from national broadcaster NHK, the assailant entered the fast-food establishment without saying a word and swiftly attacked both students. They were quickly rushed to a nearby hospital, but despite emergency efforts, the girl succumbed to her injuries. Fortunately, the other victim, a boy, survived the ordeal and told authorities he had no prior acquaintance with the attacker.

As of Sunday morning, the suspect remained at large, with no indication of whether he was known to the victims. Witnesses and local authorities described the attacker as a man in his 40s, who was seen wearing a distinctive grey jacket and dark pants. The police have dispatched dozens of officers in a coordinated effort to locate the suspect.

This horrifying incident marks a rare spike in violent crime within Japan, a nation celebrated for its low crime rates and strict gun control measures. While such acts of violence are uncommon, the country has experienced shocking instances in the past, including the assassination of former Prime Minister Shinzo Abe in 2022 and a brutal 2019 stabbing spree in Kawasaki that left two dead and many injured—highlighting a worrying trend in targeted violence.

Around ten customers were reportedly present in the restaurant during the attack, creating an atmosphere of panic that engulfed the establishment. The police have yet to provide additional comments on the ongoing investigation.

As the hunt for the attacker continues, the community mourns the life lost and grapples with the shock of such senseless violence in a familiar and typically safe environment. Stay tuned for updates as this story develops, and remember—safety could be just a moment away from being compromised.