AKB48 general manager Shinobu Kayano wrote on her official blog early Tuesday that the idol group’s members Anna Iriyama (18) and Rina Kawaei (19) were released from the hospital. Kayano confirmed that the injured male part-time staff member is also at home recuperating from his injuries and that she is grateful for his bravery while protecting Iriyama and Kawaei from their attacker.
According to Kayano, Iriyama and Kawaei will strive to return to their activities with AKB48. However, security measures will be increased in the future.
Both idols underwent surgery on Sunday. Kawaei suffered a laceration and bone fracture in her right thumb, while Iriyama suffered a fracture in her right pinky finger and a laceration to the head. The male staff member suffered cuts to his left hand.
The suspect, identified as 24-year-old Satoru Umeta, wielded a saw and attacked both performers at a handshake event in Takizawa, Iwate Prefecture on Sunday. He allegedly admitted to the charge of attempted murder on Iriyama and Kawaei after he was arrested.
Source: Sports Nippon Annex via My Game News Flash
Feature image AKB48 Official Blog
More from Anime News Network
Newsflash: AKB48 members attacked by saw-wielding “fan” at handshake event【UPDATED】
Man who attacked AKB48 members with saw at handshake event is jailed for six years
2016 Live-Action Death Note film casts former AKB48 idol Rina Kawaei
New arcade game lets you get face-to-face with AKB48 members… and shoot them in the face
AKB48 recruits new part-time idols – for US$10 an hour
Japan has abolished advance deportation notifications to foreigners’ lawyers
Cherry blossom forecasts map shows Japan’s OTHER sakura season is starting right now
Chinese man juggled 17 girlfriends, until they all found out at once (or did they?)
Mister Donut and Godiva continue their sweet sweets relationship with new treats on sale now in Japan
Japanese photo studio lets parents transform their kid into Baby Super Mario from Yoshi’s Island
The Place Where Totoro Was Born: New Studio Ghibli book includes art by Hayao Miyazaki’s wife
How to make a lucky sushi roll with KFC fried chicken skin【SoraKitchen】
Giant Clodsire Pokémon plushie comes with up to 32 Woopers in super size, super cute set【Pics】
Majority of Japanese women in survey regret marrying their husband, but that’s only half the story
What’s inside Starbucks Japan’s fukubukuro lucky bag for 2026?
Yokai are descending upon Tokyo this spring in the latest immersive art experience
Japan’s Naruto theme park now offering real-world version of Minato’s kunai ninja weapon
Japan has a new bar just for people thinking about quitting their jobs, and the drinks are free
New Studio Ghibli stamps leave an impression on your stationery…and your heart
Japan cherry blossom forecast update moves up sakura dates for many parts of the country
Archfiend Hello Kitty appears as Sanrio launches new team-up with Yu-Gi-Oh【Pics】
Studio Ghibli turns My Neighbour Totoro characters into bag charms for everyday adventures
If you haven’t tried an antenna shop in Japan, you’re missing out
Studio Ghibli releases Spirited Away bags in Japan, based on a mysterious festival
Morning-after pill finally available in Japan without a prescription, must be taken at pharmacy
Starbucks Japan releases new drinkware and goods for Valentine’s Day
Japan releases first official sakura cherry blossom forecast for 2026
10 times to avoid traveling in Japan in 2026
Starbucks Japan releases new Frappuccino and latte for Valentine’s Day
Our 52-year-old pole dancing reporter shares his tips for achieving your New Year’s exercise goal
China’s don’t-go-to-Japan warning looks to be affecting tourist crowds on Miyajima
Studio Ghibli releases new “komorebi” plush toys from Princess Mononoke and Spirited Away
Ramen restaurant’s English menu prices are nearly double its Japanese ones, denies discriminating
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
We deeply regret going into this tunnel on our walk in the mountains of Japan
Studio Ghibli releases Kodama forest spirits from Princess Mononoke to light up your home
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
Starbucks Japan reveals new sakura drinkware collection, inspired by evening cherry blossoms
Updated cherry blossom forecast shows extra-long sakura season for Japan this year
New Fukushima school gets uniforms designed by the AKB48 costume designer
Idol singer mega-group AKB48 cancels annual General Election following string of scandals
AKB48 member tests positive for coronavirus
AKB48 signs removed from exterior of AKB48 Theater building in Akihabara
Tokyo’s AKB48 idol-themed cafe announces sudden, permanent closure
Idol supergroup AKB48 abolishes team system, team sayonara concerts to be held this summer
AKB48, Japan’s biggest idol singer group, apologizes for selling “Date Tickets”
Japanese idol supergroup AKB48 said to phasing out swimsuit modeling for younger teen members
Foreign man arrested for grabbing former AKB48 idol on Tokyo street, forcing her to ground
AKB48’s new idol outfits are so stylish everyone’s talking about the company that makes them
Four teenagers mug man to buy special attack uniforms for meeting AKB48
“There are many mentally unwell girls in AKB48” claims ex-member of Japan’s top idol singer group
4 new versions of McDonald’s anime shorts with AKB48 idols streamed
New single moves AKB48 to second place on all-time Japanese CD sales list, but is it enough?
Former AKB48 idol to take on lead role in live-action Spirited Away stage play
Idols ahoy! AKB48 to hold concerts at Universal Studios Japan every day starting in July
Leave a Reply