TOKYO: A man arrested in a knife and arson attack that injured 17 people on a train in Tokyo on Halloween night has told investigators he adores Batman villain character the Joker, police said on Monday.
Kyota Hattori, 24, who was arrested at the scene on suspicion of attempted murder on Sunday night, was also quoted as saying that he "wanted to kill people and be given the death penalty" and that he had been "thinking from around June of being sentenced to death".
Photos and videos posted on social media by eyewitnesses showed a man at the scene wearing a green shirt and purple suit in what appeared to be a Joker costume.
About two hours before the incident, Mr Hattori visited Tokyo's Shibuya district, a hot spot for costumed partygoers to celebrate Halloween, the police said.
Mr Hattori told the police he chose a limited express train bound for the city centre that makes few stops because it is generally crowded with passengers. He expressed regret at failing to kill anyone in the attack, the police said.
Of the 17 injured people, a man in his 70s was in critical condition after allegedly being stabbed by Mr Hattori in the chest as the Keio Line train was moving around 8pm. The suspect also allegedly started a fire on the train using lighter fluid.
The other 16 victims aged between their teens to their 60s sustained minor injuries including smoke inhalation.
Reuters video
Mr Hattori was also quoted as saying he had failed in work and had troubles in relationships with his friends.
The incident took place on a 10-car train bound for Shinjuku, a busy station in central Tokyo, from Hachioji in the west of the capital, causing panic among passengers who scrambled to escape through train windows. kyodo
