On May 1, 2025, a tragic incident unfolded in Osaka, Japan, when a man deliberately drove his car into a group of elementary schoolchildren, injuring seven. The suspect, 28-year-old Yuki Yazawa from Tokyo, was arrested at the scene and is facing charges of attempted murder.
Incident Overview
The attack occurred around 1:30 p.m. local time in Osaka’s Nishinari Ward, near Senbon Elementary School. The children, aged seven and eight, were walking home when Yazawa’s vehicle struck them. A seven-year-old girl sustained a serious injury—a broken jaw—while the other six children suffered minor injuries.
Witnesses reported that the car was moving erratically, and after hitting the children, it continued forward and even reversed into them again. Yazawa remained in the car until teachers from the school intervened and pulled him out.
Suspect’s Motive
Upon arrest, Yazawa confessed to the police, stating he was “sick and tired of everything” and intended to kill the children. He expressed no remorse for his actions.
Community Response
The incident has left the local community in shock. Parents and residents expressed fear and concern over the safety of children in public spaces. The school has arranged counseling services for students and staff affected by the traumatic event.
Broader Context
While Japan has a low rate of violent crime, this incident adds to a series of recent attacks involving vehicles and knives. In 2008, a man drove a truck into a crowd in Tokyo’s Akihabara district before going on a stabbing spree, resulting in seven deaths.
