Van ploughs into crowds in Tokyo tourist district
Several people were injured after a vehicle ploughed into New Year crowds in one of Tokyo’s most popular shopping districts.
Nine needed medical attention with one reportedly serious after a man deliberately drove at crowds in a mini-van.
It happened in Takeshita Street which is a popular shopping area with locals and tourists, and noted for its fashion stores and ‘cool Japan’ youth culture.
Kazuhiro Kusakabe, 21, was arrested after fleeing and police said they were treating it as attempted murder.
The street was closed off to vehicles at the time.
Kusakabe initially told police his actions were in ‘retribution for the death penalty.’
TravelMole Editorial Team
Editor for TravelMole North America and Asia pacific regions. Ray is a highly experienced (15+ years) skilled journalist and editor predominantly in travel, hospitality and lifestyle working with a huge number of major market-leading brands. He has also cover in-depth news, interviews and features in general business, finance, tech and geopolitical issues for a select few major news outlets and publishers.
Have your say Cancel reply
Subscribe/Login to Travel Mole Newsletter
Travel Mole Newsletter is a subscriber only travel trade news publication. If you are receiving this message, simply enter your email address to sign in or register if you are not. In order to display the B2B travel content that meets your business needs, we need to know who are and what are your business needs. ITR is free to our subscribers.

































Turkish tourism stalls due to soaring prices for accommodation and food
CCS Insight: eSIMs ready to take the travel world by storm
Germany new European Entry/Exit System limited to a single airport on October 12, 2025
Airlines suspend Madagascar services following unrest and army revolt
Qatar Airways offers flexible payment options for European travellers