AKB48 is a very popular all-girl Japanese pop band. On Sunday afternoon, May 25, two members of AKB48 have been injured after an attack by a fan while using a 50cm saw, reports the Daily Mail.
The incident reportedly happened after the AKB48 band's mini concert on Sunday. Because of their perhaps all-too obsessed and crazy fan, 18-year-old Anna Iriyama and 19-year-old Rina Kawaei of AKB48 were injured. According to The Independent, the two were meeting up with fans in Takizawa, Japan when they got their injuries. The event was a handshake affair. The saw-wielding man responsible for the injuries to both AKB48 members has been identified as 24-year-old Satoru Umeta. During the event, he lunged forward and slashed the two AKB48 members.
Reports say that both Iriyama and Kawaei have sustained injuries on their hands and heads. In addition, a male employee was also hurt during the attack. Because of injuring the two AKB48 members, Umeta was arrested on suspicion of attempted murder.
A detective with Iwate prefectural police told AFP, "We have started questioning the suspect this morning to know details, including his motive."
Both girls from AKB48 have reportedly already undergone successful surgery. According to the band's manager, the two have already left the hospital on Monday, May 26.
Other fan events of AKB48 have been cancelled due to the incident where they have been injured. According to The Independent, AKB48 holds the Guinness record for being the world's largest pop group. They reportedly have a current line-up standing at 140 names, where fans vote annually to choose new additions to the band from a 200-strong shortlist.
AKB48 band name came from AKB which refers to Akihabara, a district in Tokyo where the group has its own theatre. The number 48 meanwhile refers to the original number of the band members.
Below is one of the famous music videos of AKB48.
This article is copyrighted by Travelers Today, the travel news leader
