Stabbing Incident and Arrest

Naoya Yamaguchi,⁣ a 30-year-old ‍unemployed man, was arrested on suspicion of attempted murder following a stabbing incident near ‍the Mizuho PayPay Dome⁣ Fukuoka on December⁣ 15, 2024. Investigative sources revealed Yamaguchi told⁣ police he was ⁢specifically targeting members of the idol group HKT48.

Yamaguchi is accused of attempting to kill a⁣ 44-year-old male staff member affiliated with HKT48, whose theater is located within a commercial facility ⁢adjacent to the⁢ dome. A second individual,a woman,also sustained injuries in the attack.

Suspect’s Motive and Actions

According to police sources, Yamaguchi reportedly waited near a staff-only⁣ parking area frequently used by HKT48 members for photos posted on social media. Investigators are exploring the possibility that he ⁢was lying in wait for the group members themselves.

The stabbing occurred ⁤shortly before 5:00 p.m. on Sunday,December 15,2024,in ‍an elevator hall within the dome’s parking facility. The ⁤incident began when the HKT48 staff ⁣member warned Yamaguchi ⁢that unauthorized individuals were not permitted in the area.‍ The staff member also informed Yamaguchi he would be banned from the⁢ premises if he continued to loiter, as⁤ he had been observed in‍ the same location the previous day.

Evidence and Investigation

Yamaguchi was apprehended early Monday,‍ December 16, 2024, while in possession of two knives, one of which bore bloodstains. A third ⁣knife⁣ was discovered in ⁢his car, which‍ was parked at the dome. ⁤Police steadfast Yamaguchi⁣ purchased a total of three knives on December 12, 2024, from a retailer in fukuoka Prefecture.