Two members of Japanese pop group AKB48 were injured on Sunday. A fan attacked them with a saw at an event. The two singers, Rina Kawaei, 19, and Anna Iriyama, 18, were signing autographs for fans who had queued for hours to see them. A man suddenly rushed forward and slashed them with a saw. The pair were lucky not to have serious injuries. They were released from hospital a day later with cuts on their hands and head. A concert in Tokyo for Monday night was cancelled. The attacker got past poor security. He wanted to kill anyone. He had not targeted the women.

AKB48 are a pop culture phenomenon in Japan. They are hugely popular around Asia. They are everywhere in their home country – on TV, radio and in advertisements. They hold the Guinness record for being the world's largest pop group. The group started in 2005 in Tokyo's Akihabara district with 48 members. They now have 140 members. Annual competitions are held for new members when older members retire. There are strict rules to join the group. There is a total ban on dating. Their contract says that any band member falling in love is "forbidden".