Woman arrested after using pepper spray on Tokyo’s Yamanote train during dispute over priority seats

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The incident occurred at around 7.45pm local time inside a Yamanote loop line train.

PHOTO: UNSPLASH

TOKYO – A woman was arrested after allegedly releasing pepper spray inside a train in central Tokyo on Oct 20 during a quarrel over priority seating, injuring two men, police said.

The woman, in her 30s, got into an argument with a passenger who admonished her for shoving her way to the specially designated section and sitting down, according to the police.

Two male passengers, both in their 60s, sustained minor injuries as she allegedly unleashed the spray in their direction. The incident occurred at around 7.45pm local time inside a Yamanote loop line train.

Priority seats are intended for passengers in need, including the elderly, people with disabilities, pregnant women and those with babies.

The woman admitted to the charges, saying she carried the pepper spray for protection. KYODO