Japanese Pop Star Mayu Tomita Critically Injured In Stabbing

Mayu Tomita, a Japanese pop idol, was critically wounded in a stabbing in Koganei City, western Tokyo.

J-Pop Star Killed

Tomita was stabbed with a knife “several times,” according to Tokyo Metropolitan Police. She was reportedly stabbed upwards of 20 times at around 5 p.m. Saturday, CNN reported. The stabbing had occurred near the Tokyo concert venue where Tomita was scheduled to perform that night.

Tokyo Metropolitan Police have arrested a man named Tomohiro Iwazaki in connection to the incident. Ahead of the stabbing, Tomita had filed a complaint with Tokyo Metropolitan Police, claiming that a male fan of hers named Iwazaki had been “persistently” contacting her via social media, according to The Japan Times.

Iwazaki, who was reportedly found with a 3-inch-long folding knife close by, also allegedly admitted that he had lost his temper when Tomita would not accept a gift from him.

“I sent a gift (to Tomita) but it was returned,” Iwazaki told the police, according to the South China Morning Post. “I asked her why but she gave an evasive answer, so I became mad and stabbed her numerous times.”

Tomita remains unconscious and in critical condition.