Overview
- Authorities detained 43-year-old Yoichiro Otsu on Nov. 22 on suspicion of attempting to kill a woman in her 40s in a Nov. 16 stabbing in Akasaka, Tokyo.
- Otsu, a member of the Ground Self-Defense Force assigned to Camp Asaka, denies involvement and told investigators he knew the woman but had no disputes with her.
- Security cameras captured a man leaving Camp Asaka around 6:30 a.m., cycling about 20 kilometers, loitering near the site from around 8 a.m., following the victim into the basement venue, and fleeing about 30 seconds later.
- Investigators say the assailant changed shoes, wore gloves, and altered clothing during his escape, and police seized a bicycle from Otsu’s home as part of the case.
- The GSDF pledged full cooperation and a response based on established facts, reports differ on Otsu’s rank, and sources say he continued working after the incident.