Japanese Lawyer Linked to ‘Student Sulfuric Terror’ Threatening Fax – Police Probe

Threats of “sulfuric Acid Terrorism” Prompt Police Investigation in South Korea

Published: November 9, 2023 at 10:00 AM UTC

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The South Korean National Police Agency launched an investigation on Wednesday following the receipt of a threatening fax. The dialog warned of potential “sulfuric acid terrorism” targeting students.

According to police reports released on November 8th, the fax originated from an individual identifying himself as Karasa and Takahiro, a Japanese lawyer. The message indicated that a fax woudl be sent to educational institutions at 1:43 PM local time the previous day.

Enhanced Security Measures

In response to the threat, Police Commando units and initial response teams from local police stations have been deployed to bolster security around schools and other educational facilities.Increased patrols are underway, and institutions have been informed of the potential danger.

Authorities are taking the threat seriously, despite previous similar incidents yielding no evidence of actual explosives or planned attacks. The police are actively tracking the sender of the fax.

Pattern of Threats

Investigators believe the current threat may be connected to a series of similar incidents dating back to August 2023. These incidents involved threatening emails and faxes sent from individuals claiming to be Karasa and Takahiro.

Since January of this year,police have been investigating 38 separate cases involving threats against major domestic facilities,including courts,prosecutors’ offices,and schools,all attributed to the same individual. To date, none of these threats have materialized into actual attacks.

The National Intelligence Service is collaborating with police to analyze the communications, but initial assessments suggest a low probability of the threats being credible. However, authorities are maintaining a high level of vigilance.

Understanding the Threat landscape

The use of threats involving perilous substances like sulfuric acid, while often hoaxes, can cause significant disruption and fear. The Department of Homeland Security provides resources on chemical facility security, highlighting the importance of preparedness.

Did You Know? Sulfuric acid is a widely used industrial chemical, but in concentrated form, it is highly corrosive and can cause severe burns. The threat of its use, even if unfounded, necessitates a swift and thorough response.

Key Facts at a Glance

Incident Type	Origin	Date Received	Target
Threatening Fax	Individual claiming to be Karasa and Takahiro (Japan)	November 7, 2023	South Korean Educational Facilities
Similar Threats (Emails & Faxes)	Individual claiming to be Karasa and Takahiro (Japan)	August 2023 – Present	Courts, prosecutors, Schools
Total Cases Investigated	N/A	January 2023 – Present	38

The Rise of Online Threats and Hoaxes

The increasing frequency of online threats and hoaxes presents a growing challenge for law enforcement agencies worldwide. These incidents often exploit vulnerabilities in communication systems and can be challenging to trace.

Pro Tip: If you receive a threatening communication, do not engage with the sender. Report it immediately to the appropriate authorities. Preserve the original communication as evidence.

Frequently Asked Questions

• What is sulfuric acid terrorism? Sulfuric acid terrorism refers to the threat or use of sulfuric acid as a weapon to cause harm or instill fear.
• Is the threat to South Korean schools credible? While authorities believe the threats have a low probability of being carried out, they are taking all precautions to ensure student safety.
• who is Karasa and Takahiro? The individual is identified as a Japanese lawyer, but their true identity and motives remain under investigation.
• What is the police doing to investigate? Police are tracking the sender of the fax, collaborating with the National Intelligence Service, and increasing security at educational facilities.
• How can I report a threat? You should immediately report any threatening communication to your local law enforcement agency.

What are your thoughts on the increasing number of online threats? Do you think schools are adequately prepared for such incidents? Share your opinions in the comments below!

How might the cultural emphasis on *wa* (harmony) influence the response of Japanese society and legal system to this threat, especially regarding public displays of fear or disruption?

The Threat and Initial Response

On August 7th, 2025, Japanese police launched a full investigation following a disturbing fax received by multiple high schools across the country. The fax, threatening a sulfuric acid attack targeting students, sparked widespread panic and prompted immediate security enhancements at educational institutions nationwide.Initial reports indicated the fax referenced a “student sulfuric terror” plot, causing significant alarm among parents, educators, and law enforcement. The threats specifically mentioned the use of ryusan (硫酸),the Japanese term for sulfuric acid.

lawyer Identified as Person of Interest

the investigation quickly focused on a licensed Japanese lawyer, identified by authorities as a key person of interest. While the lawyer’s name has not been officially released to protect the ongoing investigation, sources within the police department confirm they are actively questioning the individual regarding the origin and intent of the threatening fax. The connection between the lawyer and the threats remains unclear, but investigators are exploring several potential motives, including possible extremist ideologies or a deliberate attempt to disrupt public order.

Key Focus Areas: Police are analyzing the lawyer’s recent communications, financial records, and online activity.

Sulfuric Acid Acquisition: Investigators are also tracing potential attempts to procure sulfuric acid, a corrosive substance readily available for industrial and household purposes, but strictly regulated due to its potential for misuse.

Fax Origin Tracing: Determining the exact origin of the fax – including the location and method used – is a critical component of the investigation.

Legal Ramifications & Potential charges

Sending threatening communications, particularly those involving acts of violence, carries severe penalties under Japanese law. Depending on the evidence gathered, the lawyer could face charges including:

1. Threat of Injury (傷害罪 – Shougaizai): This charge applies to threats that cause reasonable fear of physical harm.
2. Disturbance of Public Order (公然わいせつ罪 – Kouren Waizetsu Zai): If the threats are deemed to have significantly disrupted public peace and safety.
3. Planning for a Crime (犯罪準備罪 – Hanzai Junbi Zai): if evidence suggests the lawyer was actively preparing to carry out the threatened attack, even if no attack occurred.
4. False Alarm (虚偽通報罪 – Kyogi Tsūhō Zai): If the lawyer knowingly sent a false report to authorities, causing unnecessary alarm and diverting resources.

The severity of the charges and potential sentencing will depend on the specific details of the case and the prosecutor’s discretion.Japanese legal proceedings emphasize rehabilitation alongside punishment, but serious threats of violence are treated with utmost gravity.

The Role of Extremist Groups & Online Radicalization

Authorities are investigating whether the lawyer has any known affiliations with extremist groups or has been influenced by online radicalization. The rise of online forums and social media platforms has facilitated the spread of extremist ideologies, and investigators are examining the lawyer’s online footprint for any evidence of such connections.

Right-Wing Extremism in Japan: While less prominent than in some other countries, Japan has a history of right-wing extremist groups, some of which have engaged in acts of violence or intimidation.

Online Hate Speech: The proliferation of online hate speech and extremist content is a growing concern in Japan, and authorities are working to combat its spread.

Monitoring Online Activity: Police are collaborating with internet service providers to monitor online activity related to the threats and identify potential co-conspirators.

School Security Measures & public Response

In response to the threats, schools across Japan have implemented heightened security measures, including:

Increased police presence around school campuses.

Enhanced surveillance systems.

Restrictions on access to school buildings.

Emergency drills to prepare students and staff for potential incidents.

The public response has been one of widespread concern and anxiety. Parents have expressed fears for their children’s safety, and many have called for stricter security measures at schools. The incident has also sparked a national debate about the need to address the root causes of extremism and violence.

Previous Incidents & Context

While rare, threats of school violence have occurred in Japan before. In 2019, a similar incident involved threatening letters sent to schools in the Kansai region. However, the explicit mention of sulfuric acid and the alleged involvement of a lawyer distinguish this case. japan generally boasts low rates of violent crime,but the potential for copycat incidents remains a concern. Understanding the cultural context of wa (和 – harmony) and the emphasis on social order is crucial when analyzing such events.

Resources for Further Information

Japan National Police Agency: https://www.npa.go.jp/

Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology (MEXT): https://www.mext.go.jp/

* NHK world-Japan (English News): https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/