Top Story: 11. June 2008

Akihabara

By Editor in Chief, Jaakko Saari

The news of the accident in Akihabara shocked Japan in Sunday evening. It was recognized in international media as well.

My sympathy is with all the people in Akihabara, and the victims families.

The mass murder happened on Sunday. The suspect Tomohiro Kato rented a truck and is suspected of running over three people, and stabbing fourteen people, which four died to the wounds in internal organs.

According to investigators, his preparations, as well as the act itself, shows that his clear intension was to kill. He didn't just stab, but he pulled the knife upwards in order to cause more damage.

The man's parents apologized the event in TV this morning.

Moreover, I was moved about the quick response and the youtube videos which were posted soon by Akihabara residents. The people cried in TV, placing flowers to the place where the incident happened. Strangers were moved to tears by the crises.

Akihabara is very tight knit community of people who love same things. The people who love the power of creativity and pure imagination. Akihabara always welcomes you, no matter if you are manga artist, cameraman, videographer, or person who loves the world of fantastic Japanese animation. Or just happen to love digital cameras.

Akihabara has been a comfortable "second home" for me too. In summer days, I love to escape to the air conditioned shops that sell big TVs. Just to do window shopping, imagine how it would be to have this big TV in my house.. Or that wonderful camera.. The shop clerks have been always friendly to me in Akihabara, and there just is something cheerfull and creative about the atmosphere.

Then we have to witness this kind of thing.

It brings tears to my eyes.

This is Akibanana's Youtube post:

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