A dispute over harassment allegedly led to the fatal stabbing of three 17-year-old boys in Osaka's Dotonbori entertainment district, where one victim died. The suspect, 21-year-old unemployed man Ryoga Iwasaki, is said to have harassed a female acquaintance of the teens shortly before the attack, sparking an argument. Investigators revealed this motive on Monday.
On February 16, 2026, three 17-year-old boys were stabbed in Osaka's bustling Dotonbori entertainment district, resulting in the death of one. According to investigators, the suspect is Ryoga Iwasaki, a 21-year-old unemployed man, who allegedly harassed a female acquaintance of the victims shortly before the incident.
This harassment reportedly ignited an argument with the teens, who then confronted Iwasaki. The dispute quickly escalated into a violent assault, during which he allegedly stabbed all three with a knife. Police disclosed this sequence of events on Monday, highlighting the role of the altercation involving the woman.
Dotonbori, a vibrant area popular with tourists and young people, has been shaken by this sudden act of violence. Authorities continue to investigate, with Iwasaki in custody, though full details remain unclear.