A random stabbing in the southern city of Kitakyushu on Japan’s Kyushu island has gripped national headlines in a country where violent crime remains low and gun violence is nearly nonexistent. The incident was so disturbing, say reports, that it has thousands of area students staying home out of fear.
The incident occurred at a Kitakyushu McDonald’s on the evening of the 14th. A man entered the store and, within 30 seconds, started stabbing two middle schoolers – one girl, Nakashima Saaya, and one boy – before fleeing.
The girl subsequently died of her injuries. The boy is expected to live. He was stabbed in the back, and his injuries aren’t as severe.
As of press time, the assailant was still at large. Authorities say the man is in his 40s and around 170cm tall. Another student has told authorities that the two children didn’t know their attacker.
The attack has had a chilling effect on kids in the area – especially since the assailant remains at large. According to the Kitakyushu Board of Education, 4,168 students were absent from class on Monday the 16th, citing unease over the incident. The number includes kids in preschool, primary and secondary education, and special education.
Most people commenting on the absence don’t blame the students and think it’s good for them to stay home until the offender’s caught.
“No one knows if he’s targeted students specifically or was attacking just anyone,” says safety adviser Kyoshi Mika. “It’s natural for kids to feel uneasy and want to stay home and for parents to want to let them rest.”
“Teachers and the PTA can’t safeguard all the roads leading to school,” another wrote. “If parents can’t accompany their kids to school, letting them stay home for now is the best option.”
The Board of Education has said it won’t count children as absent if parents keep them home for the time being.
Meanwhile, police and school officials are stepping up efforts to ensure students stay safe, such as increasing patrols and locking the entrances and exits of school buildings.
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