Imagine the horror of having your toes suddenly start to die and need amputation for seemingly no reason. Then imagine it turned out to be the result of a colleague attempting to kill you.
This bizarre situation has been reality for one unnamed woman in Yamanashi Prefecture for the past four months. A fellow employee, 40-year-old Tatsujiro Fukuzawa, was arrested on suspicion of attempted murder on 28 March.
According to the investigation, in December of last year Fukazawa allegedly coated the inside of his co-workers shoe with hydrofluoric acid.
Hydrofluoric acid his classified as a contact poison which means that is easily absorbed into the skin. This acid then causes painless burns by corroding the skin and blocking the nerves.
Increased and untreated exposure to hydrofluoric acid can be fatal absorbing magnesium and calcium in the blood and possibly causing heart attacks.
Since December gangrene had set in on the woman’s left foot. She is currently recovering in hospital after requiring all five toes to be removed.
According to the investigation, Fukazawa allegedly was unable to tolerate his female colleague and also handled hydrofluoric acid in his daily work. The substance is often used to clean electrical components like semiconductors.
He is currently being detained by Shizuoka Prefectural Police and denies the charges against him.
Source: Asahi Shinbun
An end to high heel pain? Japanese designer offers revolutionary and stylish footwear redesign
Tokyo’s cheapest shoe chain and 10 pairs of kicks that cost less than 10 bucks each
Japanese man arrested for stealing women’s shoes and replacing them with new ones
12 tabi split-toe sneakers to add a ninja flair to your casual everyday wear
Japanese Pokémon shoe collection is the most stylish way to catch Pikachu!
Wisteria season starts early with blooming of Japan’s Great Wisteria in its beautiful garden
Japan’s best conveyor belt sushi restaurant of seven years ago has now, finally, come to Tokyo
Final version of Sanrio: Beginning of Kawaii exhibition opens in Tokyo[Photos]
Japan has new rules for bicycle riders, and these 14 things could get you a fine or a court date
Japanese bento shop sells croquettes for 13 cents, but are they any good?
New Travelling Bento pouches turn your luggage into a Japanese lunch box
No, that’s not French bread, it’s Japan’s crazy-big gobo!
Starbucks Japan releases FIVE new Frappuccinos in a day, and we try them all in 90 minutes
Drink vending machines disappearing in Japan as number drops to lowest in 30 years
Mt. Fuji decorated with a 500,000-flower pink carpet is Japan’s ultimate spring view
Japan reportedly adding Japanese language skill requirement to most common foreigner work visa
Lawson convenience store at popular tourist site is one of the most unusual in Japan
Japanese trains in Sapporo might be better than those in Tokyo, thanks to one special feature
30 Pikachus want to share a Tokyo hotel room with you that has separate Grass, Water, Fire spaces
Man bites woman at cherry blossom park in Japan, dies shortly after
Howl’s Moving Castle’s scene-stealing dog is here to clean your home as a plushie mop
Pokémon and Ikea Japan cross over into each other’s worlds with collaboration events
Japan now has a special desk for people who work at home with a pet cat[Photos]
Famous Tokyo cherry blossom spot installs view-blocking screens to fight overcrowding[Video]
Uniqlo announces new T-shirts for One Piece, Naruto and more for manga publisher’s 100th birthday
Train station platform ramen store closes its doors on half a century of history in Tokyo
Starbucks Japan releases new My Fruit³ Frappuccino at only 34 stores around the country
Krispy Kreme releases Super Mario doughnuts in Japan for a limited time
Survey asks foreign tourists what bothered them in Japan, more than half gave same answer
Japan’s human washing machines will go on sale to general public, demos to be held in Tokyo
Starbucks Japan releases new drinkware and goods for Valentine’s Day
We deeply regret going into this tunnel on our walk in the mountains of Japan
Starbucks Japan releases new sakura goods and drinkware for cherry blossom season 2026
Studio Ghibli releases Kodama forest spirits from Princess Mononoke to light up your home
Japan’s newest Shinkansen has no seats…or passengers [Video]
Major Japanese hotel chain says reservations via overseas booking sites may not be valid
Put sesame oil in your coffee? Japanese maker says it’s the best way to start your day【Taste test】
No more using real katana for tourism activities, Japan’s National Police Agency says
Aichi man who stole and replaced women’s shoes set free, victims too “disgusted” to press charges
Popular Japanese Instagram cat inspires a stylish shoe collection
Japanese elementary teacher busted for hiding students’ shoes, writing “die” on their belongings