Chinese Technical Intern Trainee Arrested on Suspicion of Attempted Murder After Allegedly Striking Coworker with an Axe
This article organizes publicly available information into a single account. Where it describes an arrest or an ongoing investigation, that reflects only one stage of criminal procedure and does not mean guilt has been established (the presumption of innocence applies). We will update this article as new information becomes available, including the outcome of prosecution, non-prosecution, or trial. This article is not intended to unfairly disparage any individual, group, nationality, ethnicity, or belief, and aims to provide objective, fact-based information.
On the afternoon of June 8, 2026, Fukuoka Prefectural Police arrested Song Peilin (20), a Chinese technical intern trainee, on suspicion of attempted murder for allegedly striking a female coworker in the head multiple times with an axe in an attempt to kill her, at the office of a food manufacturing company in Hakata Ward, Fukuoka City. The woman suffered a severe injury, with a laceration to the top of her head.
In questioning, the suspect reportedly admitted to the allegations, stating, "I hit her with the axe intending to kill her," and said there had been interpersonal trouble in the workplace. The suspect was also re-arrested the same day on suspicion of attacking a different male coworker (related coverage). Current status: The suspect has been arrested and has made a statement admitting to the allegations. Whether the suspect will be indicted has not been disclosed as of this writing.
The Technical Intern Training Program is a framework established in 1993 for the purpose of international contribution through the transfer of skills to developing countries, and is set to transition in the future to a new system aimed at securing and developing workers. Interpersonal trouble and harassment at host workplaces have long been pointed out as sources of psychological strain for trainees, and such factors may have played a role in the background of a serious incident like this one.
An attack on a different male coworker that occurred the same day (related coverage) is being treated as a related offense committed in succession by the same suspect.