Konami Cancels MGS4 Launch Events Following Akihabara Attack

The recent killing spree in Tokyo's Akihabara district has brought an end to three events planned by Konami to mark the launch of Metal Gear Solid 4: Guns of the Patriots.

The attack took place on June 9 when 25-year-old Tomohiro Kato drove a two-ton truck into a large crowd milling around the popular comics and electronics district, injuring three people. He then left the vehicle and began stabbing people randomly, killing seven and wounding seven more. In a later interview with police, according to Wired, Kato said, "I am tired of life. I came to Akihabara to kill people. It didn't matter who they were. I came alone."

In the wake of that violence, Konami has elected to cancel three launch events in Japan for Metal Gear Solid 4: Guns of the Patriots, including one in the Akihabara district. Businessweek.com says the company is concerned that the presence of Old Snake, the game's knife-wielding hero, may draw "unwanted scrutiny." Similar events planned for other parts of the world are set to proceed uninterrupted. Konami's announcement of the cancellation, and apology to its fans, can be read here. (Japanese only)