2008-06-08, 08:37 | Link #381 |
Senior Member
Join Date: Mar 2003
Location: China
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Yeah, I was very surprised when I saw the news on the JR Yamanote train's video screen tonight. That intersection, on weekends, is usually very crowded from noon and throughout the entire afternoon. Further up the street - and near the Animate store - are usually some street performers, and if they are cute girls, can be crowded also; luckily, they have been cracking down on them recently.
I have seen accidents there in the past - the most recent being a motorcyclist whose bike got away from him and crashed as a result - and there were always a few Good Samaritans who go to try and help. If 1 or more of the injured got hurt because of that, man...
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2008-06-08, 09:08 | Link #383 |
Senior Member
Join Date: Mar 2003
Location: China
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For that Akihabara crossing and if Chuo-dori was sealed off from car traffic, cars can only come from the Kanda Myojin-dori directions. I don't remember either being too crowded with cars on weekends - it has been a few months since I last went there - but you can still accelerate into the opposing lanes and into the crossing if you want. The major crossing in Shibuya near the Hachiko entrance, while crowded with people, is also almost always crowded with cars stopped while waiting for the green light. Lots of cops around there also with the Japanese nationalists talking at the crowds usually.
I can only think that the guy knew that... Or he has some other reason that will come out later.
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2008-06-08, 11:30 | Link #384 |
Gone for Good
Join Date: Apr 2004
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I don't know what to say about that Akiba psycho, and I was planning on going there sometime this year.
I do hope this is a freak one-off incident, but I'll have to be extra vigilant next time when walking on those "pedestrian free" zones during weekends. |
2008-06-08, 12:07 | Link #386 | |||
Moving in circles
Join Date: Apr 2006
Location: Singapore
Age: 49
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Quote:
That said, I think the more chilling side of the story comes from what 25-year-old suspect, Tomohiro Kato, told investigators: "I am tired of the world. I came to Akihabara to kill people. Anyone was OK." Link that to another story that appeared last week: Suicides top 30,000 for 10th straight year Quote:
I want to stress the word "appear". This incident is probably going to trigger some sensational soul-searching for the next few days, but by and large, life will go on as normal in the rest of Japan. Quote:
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2008-06-08, 12:16 | Link #387 | |
Honyaku no Hime
Fansubber
Join Date: May 2008
Location: In the eastern capital of the islands of the rising suns...
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Logically. Does it look like this dude was in a sane frame of mind? :\ As is the case for most of us
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2008-06-08, 12:25 | Link #388 |
Good-Natured Asshole.
Join Date: May 2007
Age: 34
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Akihabara Stabbing Spree
Related thread on 2channel: http://mamono.2ch.net/test/read.cgi/...212943586/-100 Suspect image: http://tv.be-to.com/jlab-live/s/145757.jpg http://xtp0001.s3.x-beat.com/cgi-bin...nata_24869.jpg The guy is described as a "model student" who is also very capable in sports. Yes, they'll probably find something to mark him an otaku. Good thing they don't have a Jack Thompson as far as I know. |
2008-06-08, 19:17 | Link #389 |
Observer/Bookman wannabe
Join Date: Oct 2006
Location: Singapore
Age: 38
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I think TinyRedLeaf will know this reference. My local paper pointed out that with the "maid cafes", the place is becoming a bit sleazy. Granted, it is unavoidable. Still, it might be worthwhile to keep an lookout.
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2008-06-08, 20:03 | Link #390 | |
Not Enough Sleep
Join Date: Nov 2003
Location: R'lyeh
Age: 48
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MOAR MAIDS
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2008-06-09, 01:48 | Link #392 | |
Horoist
Join Date: Oct 2007
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More on the Akiha murders:
http://mdn.mainichi.jp/national/news...na015000c.html Quote:
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2008-06-09, 03:05 | Link #393 | |||
Moving in circles
Join Date: Apr 2006
Location: Singapore
Age: 49
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Japanese youth's fave hangout turning sleazy Quote:
Japan shocked and bewildered by random knife killings Quote:
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2008-06-09, 03:07 | Link #394 | |
神聖カルル帝国の 皇帝
Join Date: Jul 2007
Location: Korea
Age: 37
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2008-06-09, 04:02 | Link #396 |
Senior Member
Join Date: Dec 2005
Age: 42
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This is one of those things that you would never want to experience, especially when it is your first time to visit Akihabara...
When this happened, I was busy looking for a Nintendo DS TV tuner in an LaoX store. As I exited the store, I was surprised to see a lot of police cars surrounding the Toranoana and the Animate stores (which so happened to be the next places I planned to visit). Due to the huge barricade, I had to take the following shots from afar (WARNING: THESE ARE NWS DUE TO THE GRAPHIC NATURE OF THE PICTURES) Some medical personnel giving CPR to a victim More victims being helped by medics and police A shot in front of the Softmap building Rather than enjoying the day visiting Akiba to buy anime/manga stuff, this kinda turned my day rather sour; after seeing this, I decided to call it a day and return to my hotel I feel sorry for the victims of this horrible incident and I swear that the person who did this audacious act should be given the punishment due to him. >.< kj1980 once said that it is better that you keep Japan in your dreams rather than see the harsh reality yourself. He has a point there and now I finally realized what he meant by that... |
2008-06-09, 04:03 | Link #397 |
(`◉◞౪◟◉´)
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Fortunately(?) they have been unsuccessful to prove he is an otaku.
The interesting point in this case is that the suspect belongs to the so-called working poor class; he worked at a child company of Toyota as an informal employee with a remarkably low wage. His despair and anger are to be considered in the context of modern alienation of labourers in Japan. Although this crime is in itself a matter of individual personality, I hope it will be a stimulus for people to focus on the problematic recruiting services. |
2008-06-09, 05:34 | Link #398 | |||
Honyaku no Hime
Fansubber
Join Date: May 2008
Location: In the eastern capital of the islands of the rising suns...
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Quote:
Although to give a little credit to the government, referring to a post I made in the 'japanese culture' thread in which me and Liberlibri were briefly mentioning about crime there and (lack of) reporting it, there are usually two ways all that pent up frustration is gonna manifest: suicide or killing sprees, simply because they no longer care. And so it was about autumn 2007, there was a stupid amount of news reports on teen suicides and bullying, the government have been trying to campaign for students to learn how to talk to someone and express their problems, rather than feeling like there's no where to turn to, therefore taking their lives. As to how effective it is against a culture where for hundreds (if not thousands) of years suicide was seen as the honourable thing to do - time will tell. Quote:
To visit Japan as an long term exchange student or to live there is another entire ball game altogether. Nonetheless, a little bit of reality shouldn't harm your dreams too much regarding Japan, just don't place the culture and country too high on a pedestal.
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2008-06-09, 05:41 | Link #399 | |
Observer/Bookman wannabe
Join Date: Oct 2006
Location: Singapore
Age: 38
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Anyway, RIP to all victims. |
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2008-06-09, 05:59 | Link #400 | |
Inactive Member
Join Date: Nov 2007
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And indeed, the power of acceptable social norms and standards is great indeed, even more so if one lives, works, and stays in a very competitive country like Japan. And RIP indeed. |
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