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Japanese girl band AKB48 attacked with a saw at fan event Japanese girl band AKB48 attacked with a saw at fan event
(4 months later)
Two members of the Japanese girl group AKB48 were taken to hospital after being attacked by a man wielding a saw at one of the band's meet-the-fans events, police said on Monday. Two members of the Japanese girl group AKB48 were taken to hospital after being attacked by a man wielding a saw at one of the band's meet-the-fans events, police said on Monday.
Rina Kawaei, 19, and Anna Iriyama, 18, both broke bones in their right hands and received cuts on their arms and heads caused by the 50cm (20in) saw at the event in Iwate in northern Japan.Rina Kawaei, 19, and Anna Iriyama, 18, both broke bones in their right hands and received cuts on their arms and heads caused by the 50cm (20in) saw at the event in Iwate in northern Japan.
Reports said the attack came after a mini concert early on Sunday afternoon as fans were lining up to shake hands with performers inside booths.Reports said the attack came after a mini concert early on Sunday afternoon as fans were lining up to shake hands with performers inside booths.
Kawaei and Iriyama were inside the same booth when a man in the queue suddenly produced a saw, the Yomiuri daily said.Kawaei and Iriyama were inside the same booth when a man in the queue suddenly produced a saw, the Yomiuri daily said.
Fans told Japanese media they heard a shriek, apparently from one of the young women, saying "stop it!".Fans told Japanese media they heard a shriek, apparently from one of the young women, saying "stop it!".
Some of the 100 or so staff and security guards at the event pounced on the attacker and held him until police arrived, reports said.Some of the 100 or so staff and security guards at the event pounced on the attacker and held him until police arrived, reports said.
One fan said Kawaei was covered in blood when she was taken away by medics to a waiting ambulance.One fan said Kawaei was covered in blood when she was taken away by medics to a waiting ambulance.
A 24-year-old man, identified as unemployed Satoru Umeta, was arrested on suspicion of attempted murder, police said.A 24-year-old man, identified as unemployed Satoru Umeta, was arrested on suspicion of attempted murder, police said.
"We have started questioning the suspect this morning to know details, including his motive," a detective with Iwate prefectural police told AFP."We have started questioning the suspect this morning to know details, including his motive," a detective with Iwate prefectural police told AFP.
AKB48 is part talent show, part pop act, a venture in which a pool of more than 100 girls and young women compete for a spot in the limelight when each new hit is released.AKB48 is part talent show, part pop act, a venture in which a pool of more than 100 girls and young women compete for a spot in the limelight when each new hit is released.
The group – one of the most successful acts of all time in monetary terms – is built on being accessible to its legion of fans, appearing at regular events all over the country to shake hands and pose for pictures, as well as on social networking sites.The group – one of the most successful acts of all time in monetary terms – is built on being accessible to its legion of fans, appearing at regular events all over the country to shake hands and pose for pictures, as well as on social networking sites.
Members must strive constantly for popularity if they wish to retain their spot, and girls who contravene strict rules – such as having boyfriends – are dropped back into the general talent pool.Members must strive constantly for popularity if they wish to retain their spot, and girls who contravene strict rules – such as having boyfriends – are dropped back into the general talent pool.
Where line-up changes often sound the death-knell for musical acts, the frequent rotation of AKB's members is key to keeping them at the top of Japan's pop scene. Where line-up changes often sound the death-knell for musical acts, the frequent rotation of AKB's members is key to keeping them at the top of Japan's pop scene.
Fans are currently voting for the girl they want to lead the collective for the next year, using ballot slips only available with the purchase of their newest single. The results will be announced in a nationally televised extravaganza on 7 June.Fans are currently voting for the girl they want to lead the collective for the next year, using ballot slips only available with the purchase of their newest single. The results will be announced in a nationally televised extravaganza on 7 June.
Violent crime is rare in Japan. Carrying a blade without reason is banned, while possession of guns is strictly limited.Violent crime is rare in Japan. Carrying a blade without reason is banned, while possession of guns is strictly limited.