AKB48 Handshake Event Attack Survivor Iriyama Anna has shared her story on Mexian media, it is her first time to share her horrible experience in four years. According to the interview, her head, right arm, right hand got injuries during the attack, and then was sent to emergency room.
Iriyama Anna said the attack left no trauma to her, but she admits she was scared of hearing people screaming or loud noise at the beginning recovery, and now she accepts it as a part of her life, however she said it is very likely she will not participate in handshake event or similar activities anymore.
While Iriyama Ranna was asked about her relationship with Kawaei Rina who was another victim of the attack, she said they had been a good friend before attack, and they become much closer after the attack.
Iriyama Anna also talked about AKB48 fans' reaction, she received lot of negative comments from people and was asked to resign because she did not participate in group's event. Iriyama Anna even thought about not returning to stage and LIVE, but she got lot of support from Kawaei Rina, the staff, her friend, her family, the nurse, and her fans, which helped her to overcome and return to the stage.
At last, Iriyama Anna explained why she shared her story, because she wants to help the people who suffer the terrible experience like her: She had had several surgeries under general anesthesia, and received a lot of criticism, but she lives a happy life now. She just wants to tell those people not to push themselves too hard, continue with their own life and be strong.
Iriyama Anna and Kawaei Rina were attacked during handshake event on 25 May 2014. A man Umeta Satoru disguised as an AKB48 fan and participated in the group's handshake event at Iwate Industrial Culture Centre, he took a foldable saw from his jacket, approached Iriyama Anna and Kawaei Rina, and attacked them. They were cut on their hands and face, and hospitalized overnight.
Reference: Las Estrellas TV