Japan: Shooting in Tokyo’s Chiyoda area Feb. 23

Event

Two assailants fired multiple shots at the entrance gate of a complex housing of the pro-Pyongyang General Association of Korean Residents in Japan (also called Chongryon) in Tokyo’s Chiyoda area around 04:00 (local time) on Friday, February 23. Japanese police at the heavily guarded headquarters of the North Korea-linked group have arrested the two gunmen. The motive of the attack remains unclear, although media reports indicate the assailants had links with right-wing groups.

Context

Shootings are extremely rare in Japan due to strict gun laws. When they do occur, they are generally gang-related.
Tensions remain high between North Korea and Japan over Pyongyang’s nuclear program and missile testing, including two missiles that flew over Japanese territory in 2017.

Advice

Individuals present in Japan are advised to abide by all instructions issued by authorities.