Pepper Spray Incident on Tokyo Yamanote Line Injures Two Amid Priority Seat Dispute

Incident Unfolds on Yamanote Line

A Tokyo train on the Yamanote Line became the scene of a pepper spray incident on Monday evening, October 20, following a dispute over priority seating. Police reported that a woman in her 30s allegedly discharged pepper spray, injuring two male passengers. The incident occurred around 7:40 p.m. local time, specifically between JR Komagome and Sugamo stations, with the report made from JR Otsuka Station in Toshima Ward.

Dispute Over Priority Seating Escalates

According to investigators, the altercation began when the suspect reportedly pushed past other passengers to occupy a priority seat. A male passenger then admonished her, leading to an argument. The woman subsequently allegedly deployed one of two pepper spray canisters she was carrying, injuring the man who had chided her, as well as another male passenger. Both victims are reported to be in their 60s and sustained minor injuries, with one requiring hospital treatment.

Priority seats on Japanese trains are designated for passengers in need, including the elderly, individuals with disabilities, pregnant women, and those traveling with infants.

Arrest and Aftermath

The woman was arrested at the scene on suspicion of assault. She reportedly told police that she carried the pepper spray for 'self-defense purposes' and has admitted to the charges. While initially detained, she was later released on the grounds that she was 'unable to handle being detained,' with police indicating plans for further voluntary questioning.

The incident caused considerable disruption, leading to delays of up to 15 minutes for train services and affecting approximately 4,500 passengers on the busy Yamanote Line.