Fatal Stabbing at Pokémon Center Ikebukuro in Tokyo Leaves Female Employee Dead, Suspect Also Dies

A fatal stabbing at Pokémon Center Ikebukuro in Tokyo occurred on March 26, resulting in the death of a female employee. The suspect also died after injuring himself. According to reports, shortly after 7:00 PM on March 26, a female staff member was suddenly attacked and stabbed by a man at the Pokémon Center located inside Sunshine City in Higashi-Ikebukuro, Tokyo. The victim was transported to the hospital but was later confirmed dead.

Following the incident, the official Pokémon store “Pokémon Center Mega Tokyo,” located within the Sunshine City commercial complex in Ikebukuro, announced that it will be temporarily closed for the foreseeable future.

On its official website, the company stated that due to the incident that occurred on Thursday, March 26, 2026, at Pokémon Center Mega Tokyo in Toshima City, Tokyo, it will prioritize full cooperation with the police and the physical and mental well being of its staff, and therefore suspend operations temporarily.

The statement also expressed deep apologies for the concern and inconvenience caused to customers, adding that the timing of reopening will be announced at a later date and asking for understanding.

Media reports indicate that the incident occurred around 7:15 PM. A woman believed to be in her twenties was stabbed with what appeared to be a knife by a man, who then stabbed himself near the neck. Both were transported in critical condition and were later pronounced dead at the hospital.

According to investigative sources, the Tokyo Metropolitan Police Department had previously received consultations related to the two individuals involved. Authorities are currently investigating the case in detail on suspicion of murder.

A company employee in his thirties who was shopping at the store at the time of the incident said that more than 100 customers, including families with children and foreign visitors, were present inside. He reported hearing people shouting “Please run” and “Help,” and said in a shaken voice that he never imagined such an incident would happen.

The second floor where the incident occurred houses approximately 20 stores, including character shops and bookstores. A male employee in his twenties working at a nearby store said he heard from evacuating customers that someone had been stabbed and added, in a trembling voice, that he gradually became more frightened.

Source : ORICON NEWS