Two members of popular female pop group AKB48 are recovering from injuries after being attacked by a man with a saw at a fan event. Anna Iriyama and Rina Kawaei suffered hand and head injuries while a fan that attempted to stop the attacker received cuts to his hand.

The members of AKB48 are known for being fan-friendly, having been dubbed “idols you can meet” due to their many fan events that allow the group’s followers to get up close and personal with their favorite pop stars. All fan events have been cancelled in the wake of the shocking attack on Sunday.

The Japanese group had given a mini-concert in Takizawa City that was followed by a meet-and-greet event that gave the hundreds of fans who had purchased special CDs the opportunity to chat and shake hands with AKB48 members. Shortly after the handshaking began, a 24-year-old man named Santoru Umeka took a folding saw out of his backpack and slashed the two women.

Umeka, who was arrested on suspicion of attempted murder, told investigators that he was not a fan of the group but just wanted to commit a random murder. There had been no security checks at the fan event.

Iriyama and Kawaei left the hospital late Monday, wearing hats and covering their hands with white towels. Both spoke to reporters outside the hospital and thanked fans for their support. “We’ve caused you worry, but we are returning to Tokyo now,” said Kawaei. “Thank you very much.”

This horrific incident highlights the dangers that such fan events can pose to both group members and fans. AKB48 management has cancelled several upcoming concerts while weighing possible safety issues like security checks.

Talk show host Seiji Miyane of NTV pointed out that while handshaking is a major draw for fans of AKB48, risks to the members need to be considered. “It’s nice they are close to the fans, but we have to remember there is a possibility that people like (the attacker) may sneak in,” said Miyane.

Other members of AKB48 have remained silent about the attack, but former member Erena Ono tweeted her concern for the victims. “Such an incident should never have happened. Even if they recover from their physical injuries, their emotional scars will never heal.”