TOKYO (AP) — More than 20 people developed sore throats near a luxury department store in Tokyo’s posh Ginza shopping area on Monday after a person allegedly sprayed an unknown substance, Japanese fire department officials said.
The Tokyo Fire Department said 26 people complained of suddenly developing throat pain and felt unwell near the Ginza Six shopping complex, and all but one of them were taken to a hospital. Their symptoms were believed to be mild, officials said.
Fire department and police officials said an investigation was underway. The largest-circulation Yomiuri newspaper said police have detected traces of pepper spray on the wall.
Dozens of fire engines and ambulances were parked outside the complex, and the surrounding roads were temporarily closed. Television footage showed firefighters and officials in hazmat suits assisting people, with some being brought out of the building.
Yuzo Tsuda, a 78-year-old Tokyo resident, told The Associated Press that he walked toward the shopping complex after having lunch with friends, drawn by the commotion, when he suddenly felt pain in his throat and started coughing. He said the ache in his throat subsided about an hour later and he did not plan to go to the hospital.
Tokyo police examine the scene after a person allegedly sprayed a substance that caused an odor, in Tokyo, Japan, Monday, May 25, 2026. (AP Photo/Eugene Hoshiko)
Tokyo Fire Department personnel examine the scene after a person allegedly sprayed a substance that caused an odor, in Tokyo, Japan, Monday, May 25, 2026. (AP Photo/Eugene Hoshiko)
First responders gather near the scene after a person allegedly sprayed a substance that caused an odor, in Tokyo, Japan, Monday, May 25, 2026. (AP Photo/Eugene Hoshiko)
Fans across the country are mourning Dolly Parton, gathering at makeshift memorials and other places to celebrate the beloved singer, songwriter and philanthropist who died Tuesday in Nashville at 80.
This is a photo gallery curated by AP photo editors.
Flags are seen at half staff on the Nashville Metropolitan Courthouse, right, and the State Capitol, left, honoring Dolly Parton, Tuesday, Aug. 25, 2026, in Nashville, Tenn. (AP Photo/George Walker IV)
Becky Wangner leaves flowers for a makeshift memorial honoring Dolly Parton outside her home Tuesday, Aug. 25, 2026, in Brentwood, Tenn. (AP Photo/George Walker IV)
Flowers surround a statue of Dolly Parton in Sevierville, Tenn., Tuesday, Aug. 25, 2026. (AP Photo/Camden Hall)
Tracy Ross leaves flowers at a mural of Dolly Parton on Tuesday, Aug. 25, 2026, in Nashville, Tenn. (AP Photo/George Walker IV)
Chloe Beauchene leaves flowers outside Dolly Parton's office on Tuesday, Aug. 25, 2026, in Nashville, Tenn. (AP Photo/George Walker IV)
A wreath stands over Dolly Parton's star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame Tuesday, Aug. 25, 2026, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Chris Pizzello)
Timothy Barnhill leaves a note outside Dolly Parton's office on Tuesday, Aug. 25, 2026, in Nashville, Tenn. (AP Photo/George Walker IV)
People visit a makeshift memorial honoring Dolly Parton in Sevierville, Tenn., Tuesday, Aug. 25, 2026. (AP Photo/Camden Hall)
People visit a makeshift memorial honoring Dolly Parton in Sevierville, Tenn., Tuesday, Aug. 25, 2026. (AP Photo/Camden Hall)
Flags fly at half staff in honor of Dolly Parton, Tuesday, Aug. 25, 2026, in Washington, at the White House. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon)
Tracy Ross, left, and Patricia Fonner visit a mural of Dolly Parton on Tuesday, Aug. 25, 2026, in Nashville, Tenn. (AP Photo/George Walker IV)
Michael Reynolds visits Dolly Parton's star on the Music City Walk of Fame outside the Country Music Hall of Fame on Tuesday, Aug. 25, 2026, in Nashville, Tenn. (AP Photo/George Walker IV)
Guests visit the Dolly Parton exhibit at the Country Music Hall of Fame on Tuesday, Aug. 25, 2026, in Nashville. (AP Photo/George Walker IV)
A wand with a star is placed over Dolly Parton's star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame Tuesday, Aug. 25, 2026, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Chris Pizzello)
