In a worrying incident, a tear gas-like spray was released on the Yamanote Line in Tokyo, causing injuries to two passengers. The incident occurred amidst the bustling morning commute, causing panic and delays. No culprit has been identified yet and the local authorities have initiated a thorough investigation into the matter.
The Yamanote line is one of the city's busiest commuter lines, and incidents of this nature are extremely rare. Safety is highly valued in Japan, and such an incident is expected to intensify calls for improved security measures on public transportation. The event is also likely to have unsettled many, especially given that this is not common in considering Japan's reputation for being a safe country.
Unlike in the EU and US, where incidents involving harmful substances in public transportation are relatively rare but not unheard of, this is a very unusual occurrence in Japan. The reactions from authorities and the public may also differ as safety and order are highly valued in Japanese society, perhaps more so than in the EU and US.