In June 2024, a 24-year-old Vietnamese trainee at an employee dorm in Matsuyama allegedly stabbed a 35-year-old coworker in the back with a kitchen knife, attempting to kill him and causing injuries including a bone fracture, and is charged with murder attempt. The first lay-judge trial on September 24 heard him deny intent to injure, while prosecutors said he deliberately stabbed after a dorm quarrel and knew death was highly likely. The defense argued it was to threaten, not to injure, and requested an assault conviction instead. A verdict is scheduled for October 6.