Japanese High School Student Wields Weapon in Front of University of Tokyo...Suspect Says "I Caused the Incident Because I Couldn't Study Well"

A total of 3 people injured, including a 72-year-old man and 2 high school students

[Asia Economy Reporter Gong Byung-sun] A Japanese high school student wielded a weapon near the entrance of a university entrance exam site in Japan, injuring three people including examinees. The high school student told the police that he caused the incident and intended to die because he was not doing well in his studies.

On the 15th, Kyodo News reported that near the University of Tokyo in Bunkyo Ward, Tokyo, a male and a female high school student, each heading to take the university entrance common test, and a 72-year-old man were injured by a weapon wielded by a high school student. The two high school students were not in life-threatening condition, but the 72-year-old man was reported to have sustained serious injuries.

The police arrested a 17-year-old second-year high school student residing in Nagoya City, Aichi Prefecture, at the scene on suspicion of attempted murder immediately after the incident. The boy told the police, "I do not know the victims," and "I was not doing well in my studies, so I caused the incident and thought about dying."

He also said that he set a fire near the University of Tokyo before causing the incident. According to the Tokyo Fire Department, a report was received around 8 a.m. that morning about wooden pieces burning inside a station near the University of Tokyo. The fire was extinguished within an hour. Additionally, around 8:25 a.m., a train crew member at the same station found fireworks near the ticket gate. Fortunately, there were no victims from the arson.

The exam held at the University of Tokyo that day proceeded as scheduled.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.