Tokyo Apartment Resident Arrested After Fatal Stabbing During Court-Ordered Eviction

A man in his 40s was arrested on suspicion of attempted murder after allegedly attacking two men with a knife during a court-ordered eviction process in Suginami Ward, Tokyo, on the morning of the 15th. One of the victims later died, according to the Tokyo Metropolitan Police Department.

The incident occurred at around 10:00 a.m. on a street in Izumi, Suginami Ward, in front of an apartment building. The two victims — a court enforcement officer and an employee of a rent guarantee company, both in their 60s — had visited the apartment to carry out eviction procedures.

Both men were taken to hospital after being stabbed. Police said the guarantee company employee was later confirmed dead, while the court officer remained conscious but is believed to have suffered serious injuries.

Suspect’s Statements

Police arrested Hiroshi Yamamoto (40), a self-described unemployed resident of the apartment, on suspicion of attempted murder. Investigators believe Yamamoto had fallen behind on rent payments.

According to investigative sources, Yamamoto admitted to the allegations and told police he was unable to imagine how he could continue living if he lost his home.

“He said he felt it didn’t matter if he himself died,” sources said, citing the suspect’s statements during questioning.

Fire Incident Under Investigation

Investigators believe the suspect ignited a gas canister from a portable stove during the eviction process. Sources also indicated that after the stabbing, he may have returned to his room and set another fire inside the apartment.

A fire broke out in the apartment around the same time. The Tokyo Fire Department said approximately 10 square meters of the room were burned.

Ongoing Investigation

On the 16th, police conducted a detailed on-site investigation to reconstruct the sequence of events and determine the full circumstances surrounding the attack and fire.

Authorities are continuing to investigate the suspect’s motives and the timeline of the incident.