A man attacked members of AKB48, an extremely popular Japanese female pop group on Sunday, leaving two band members with head and hand injuries, and a male staffer with cuts to his hands.
Anna Iriyama, 18, and Rina Kawaei, 19, have been identified as the AKB48 members hurt in the attack, according to multiple reports.
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The attack happened at a meet-and-greet session for fans following a small concert by AKB48 in the city of Takizawa. A man removed a saw from his jacket, and moved toward the two women. The group is known for being "idols you can meet," and routinely have "handshaking events" at which fans can interact with its members, the AP reported.
All three left the hospital on Monday, but AKB48 canceled its fan events for that day. The injured performers appeared outside the hospital with towels covering their hands and hats on their heads. "We've caused you worry, but we are returning to Tokyo now," Kawaei said. "Thank you very much."
AKB48 is a rotating group of about 140 different performers that work in teams. It has spawned similar acts throughout Asia.
Police arrested a 24-year-old man named Satoru Umeta on suspicion of attempted murder, the AP reported.