A string of knife attacks has prompted a Japanese rail division to come up with a unique idea to help people fend them off. Hundreds of blade-resistant umbrellas will be deployed on Japanese trains that can help passengers shield themselves in case such an incident breaks out.

Japan's solution to knife attacks on trains? Extra-long umbrellas with canopies

A knife-wielding woman unleashed a stabbing spree on four individuals on Wednesday (Jan 3) in a train at Akihabara Station in the Japanese capital city of Tokyo, media reports said citing police authorities.

Knife-wielding woman stabs four on Tokyo train, three injured

A mass stabbing rampage outside of Tokyo on Tuesday killed a schoolgirl, and the suspected attacker was also dead after turning his knife on himself, according to local media.

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