Pokemon Center Tokyo incident leaves employee dead as store closes after attack

Pokemon Center Mega Tokyo closes after fatal stabbing incident involving employee and suspect

An employee at a Pokemon Center store in Tokyo has died following a stabbing incident involving a man who later died by suicide, according to the Tokyo Metropolitan Police Department.

The incident took place on March 26 at Pokemon Center Mega Tokyo, located within the Sunshine City shopping complex in Higashi-Ikebukuro.

Authorities reported that a man in his 20s attacked a female employee, also believed to be in her 20s, before turning the weapon on himself. Both individuals were later pronounced dead at hospital.

Police were called to the scene after reports of a man carrying knives inside the store, which was reportedly crowded at the time of the incident. Investigations are ongoing.

According to reports, the victim had previously filed a complaint with police over alleged stalking. A restraining order had been issued, and the suspect had earlier been arrested on suspicion of violating anti-stalking laws in Japan.

Following the incident, The Pokemon Company announced the temporary closure of the store. In a statement, the company said, “Due to the incident that occurred on Thursday, March 26, 2026, at the Pokémon Center Mega Tokyo in Sunshine City, Higashi-Ikebukuro, Toshima-ku, Tokyo, we will be temporarily closed until further notice, prioritizing our full cooperation with the police and the physical and mental well-being of our staff.”

The statement continued: “We sincerely apologize for the great concern and inconvenience this has caused everyone. We will inform you again when we will be reopening for business.”