Chinese tourist injured in knife attack following argument in Kyoto
A 37-year-old Chinese tourist sustained non-life-threatening injuries after being slashed by an unknown assailant in Kyoto’s Shimogyo Ward on Friday evening.
Local police reported the incident occurred around 8:25 p.m. following an argument between the two men.
The victim, who was visiting Japan as part of a group tour that had made several stops at popular attractions around Kyoto, was transported to a hospital.
His injury, a cut extending from his right collarbone to his side, is not considered life-threatening.
Authorities have stated that the assailant, who was not previously known to the tourist, remains at large.
The incident occurred in an area popular with both residents and visitors, underscoring a rare occurrence of violent street crime in a country generally recognized for its low crime rates.
Reports have not stated precisely where the incident occurred or which attraction the Chinese tour group were visiting, however Shimogyo Ward is home to Higashi Honganji and Nishi Honganji, two prominent Buddhist temples.
Other possible locations in the same geographical area would include Kyoto Tower or the Kyoto Railway Museum, however, these are less likely destinations for a group tour and therefore it seems most likely that the incident would have happened near to the grounds of one of the aforementioned temples.
Police are currently investigating the circumstances surrounding the argument and the subsequent attack.
Source: The Mainichi
This post may contain affiliate links, and Essential Japan may earn a commission if you purchase through them.
