At least 15 people were injured Friday afternoon in a rare and disturbing knife attack at a rubber factory in Japan, prompting a major emergency response and the arrest of a suspect at the scene. The incident occurred at a Yokohama Rubber Company facility in Mishima, located in Shizuoka Prefecture southwest of Tokyo.

According to local authorities and media reports, the assault took place around 4:30 p.m. when a man attacked multiple workers using a survival knife and sprayed an unspecified liquid inside the factory. Emergency services rushed to the scene as ambulances and police units sealed off the facility to secure the area and treat the wounded.

Police identified the suspect as Masaki Oyama, a 38-year-old former employee of the company. Witnesses reported that Oyama was wearing a gas mask during the attack before fellow workers managed to subdue him. He was taken into custody on suspicion of attempted murder.

All 15 victims were transported to nearby hospitals and were conscious at the time of evacuation. Five of the injured sustained serious stab wounds, while the remaining victims were treated for less severe injuries. Authorities have not reported any fatalities.

Investigators have not officially confirmed a motive, though local reports suggest the suspect may have harbored grievances related to his previous employment, including allegations of workplace bullying. Police continue to question the suspect and examine security footage and physical evidence from the scene.

Violent attacks of this scale remain uncommon in Japan, a country known for strict weapons regulations and low rates of violent crime. The incident has nonetheless raised concerns about workplace safety and mental health support, as authorities work to determine how the attack unfolded and whether warning signs were missed.