The Pokémon Center Mega Tokyo, a flagship destination for fans worldwide, became the scene of a fatal stabbing on Thursday evening, March 26, 2026.
The incident, which took place inside the Sunshine City complex in Ikebukuro, resulted in the deaths of both a 21-year-old female employee and her 26-year-old stalker.
Fatal Stabbing During Spring Break Rush
Shortly after 7:15 PM JST, the suspect, identified as Hirokawa Daiki (26), entered the store armed with knives in both hands. According to witnesses, he immediately went behind the counter and repeatedly stabbed the victim, Moe Harukawa (21), in the neck.
After the attack, Hirokawa turned the weapon on himself. Despite being rushed to the hospital, both were pronounced dead within an hour. The store was crowded with families and international tourists enjoying Japan’s spring break, leading to a state of mass panic as shoppers fled the scene.
A Failure of Protection? The Stalker Background
This tragedy has sparked intense public outrage as it was revealed that the victim had been under police protection.
Harukawa had previously reported Hirokawa for harassment and stalking. While the Tokyo Metropolitan Police had issued a restraining order and previously arrested the suspect for violations, these measures failed to prevent the premeditated attack. Authorities stated they had “done everything possible under current law,” a comment that has triggered a national debate over the limits of Japan’s Stalker Regulation Act.
Sunshine City’s Security Under Scrutiny
This marks the second fatal stabbing within the Sunshine City complex in less than a year. In July 2025, a law firm employee was killed by a colleague on the 31st floor of the same building.
With over 30 million visitors annually, the recurring violence in this major commercial hub has raised serious questions about security protocols and the effectiveness of police intervention in high-risk cases.
Pokémon Company Announces Indefinite Closure
In a joint statement, The Pokémon Company and the store’s operators announced that Pokémon Center Mega Tokyo and the adjacent Pikachu Sweets by Pokémon Café will be closed until further notice.
The company stated that they are prioritizing full cooperation with the police investigation and providing mental health support to their staff members who witnessed the brutal event.
Comments