A small van has ploughed into pedestrians celebrating the New Year on one of Tokyo’s most famous streets.
Eight people were injured, one seriously, by the attacker who struck in the Harajuku fashion district shortly after midnight.
The street, which was sealed off to traffic, was packed with people heading to a shrine for New Year’s prayers.
A man was arrested, with a police spokesman telling AFP news agency he had an “intent to murder”.
The 21-year-old was identified as Kazuhiro Kusakabe.
Police told broadcaster NHK that he initially told then he had conducted a terrorist act, but then later claimed it was related to executions. It was not clear if he was referring to a specific execution or capital punishment in general.
NHK footage showed the van with a smashed front and paramedics carrying the injured on stretchers into ambulances.
One male university student is in critical condition in hospital.
Takeshita Street in Shibuya ward is a popular shopping area known for its quirky fashion and youth culture. It also attracts international tourists in large numbers.-BBC
