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AKB48 Idols Anna Iriyama, Rina Kawaei Attacked at Fan Event

A man wielding a saw attacked AKB48 idol group members Anna Iriyama (pictured left) and Rina Kawaei (pictured right) at a handshake event in Takizawa, Iwate Prefecture on Sunday. The performers and one male staff member received non-life-threatening injuries.

At about 5:00 p.m. a man with a saw started behaving violently at the event and police were notified. Iwate Prefectural Police arrested the unemployed 24-year-old man from Towada, Aomori Prefecture under a charge of attempted murder. According to police, the man admitted to the charge.

The three injured were transported to the hospital with hand wounds. Many AKB48 members including Minami Takahashi were present at the event that began at the Iwate Industry Culture and Convention Center at 1:00 p.m. Attendees' bags were not checked as they entered. Event sponsors and Iwate Prefectural Police are investigating the incident.

Iriyama is set to make her acting debut in the film adaptation of the horror game Ao Oni (Blue Demon). The film is planned to open in Japan on July 5. The arcade game Sailor Zombie ~AKB48 Arcade Edition~, showcased at Japan Amusement Expo 2014 in February, also features Iriyama.

Thanks to Chad Stephenson for the news tip

Sources: Nikkan Sports, Yahoo! Japan, The Asahi Shimbun