Mysterious man sprays unknown substance in Tokyo as around 20 report symptoms

A man in a black jacket, light-coloured trousers and a white mask is suspected of spraying an unidentified substance near an ATM at a bank on the first floor of the Ginza Six shopping complex in Tokyo’s Ginza district on Monday (25 May), local media reported. At least one person was hospitalised and around 20 others reported symptoms including sore throats following the incident.

Tokyo Metropolitan Police and other authorities received an emergency call from Ginza Six around midday local time, reporting a strong, pungent smell and people experiencing coughing. Emergency responders found over 20 individuals with symptoms, with one requiring hospitalisation, according to public broadcaster NHK.

The incident occurred in Ginza’s central area, a hub of commercial facilities and office buildings. Police are continuing their investigation into the details of the case.