TOKYO (AP) – Japanese authorities announced the arrest of a 30-year-old man in connection with the alleged stabbing of two individuals at an entertainment complex in Fukuoka, which is home to the popular female pop music group HKT48. The incident occurred on Sunday, December 14, 2025, and resulted in the victims suffering from non-life-threatening injuries.

According to Fukuoka police, the suspect is accused of violently attacking a 44-year-old man, stabbing him in the chest with what appeared to be a kitchen knife. The man was employed at the HKT48 theater located within the complex. Reports indicate that the attack came about after the injured man confronted the suspect for being in an unauthorized area and requested him to leave.

Additionally, the suspect is also alleged to have stabbed a 27-year-old woman in the back in an elevator hall of the facility before escaping the scene. Specific details regarding the suspect's motives have not been disclosed by the police, who are treating the case as a potential attempted murder. They have also refrained from providing further information on the circumstances surrounding the second stabbing.

The stabbing incident has raised concerns within the community, as violent crimes are relatively uncommon in Japan, a country known for its strict gun control measures. In recent years, however, there have been several high-profile cases that involved knife attacks and the use of homemade explosives, which have drawn significant media attention and public concern.

In response to the violent episode, HKT48 announced the cancellation of a fan event that had been scheduled for the evening of the same day as the attack. The news of the stabbings has shocked fans and the local community, demonstrating the serious nature of such acts within the usually peaceful setting of Japan.

As investigations continue, authorities remain focused on understanding the motivations behind the attacker’s actions and ensuring the safety of the community and its residents. Police are actively pursuing leads and gathering evidence to build a comprehensive case regarding this unfortunate incident.