TOKYO, May 29 (Xinhua) -- Japanese police on Wednesday raided the home of the assailant who had carried out a stabbing rampage near Tokyo a day earlier, in which 17 children and two adults were attacked, leaving two dead.
In undertaking the raid, police are looking for clues as to the motive behind his stabbing rampage that was predominantly focused on killing elementary school-aged children, investigators in charge of the case said.
According to officials in Kawasaki City where tha rampage occurred, the assailant, Ryuichi Iwasaki, 51, is believed to be a jobless recluse, who was living with his elderly aunt and uncle.
His relatives had reportedly contacted the local city office and held meetings on numerous occasions, seeking advice on how to deal with Iwasaki, as they did not associate with him directly and required a caregiver to visit their home to maintain contact with him.
Mourners gathered on Wednesday at the site of the attack to offer prayers to the victims, with some choosing to leave flowers, cards, snacks and beverages as offerings to the victims.
Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe on Wednesday ordered increased police patrols in areas where children gather on their commute to and from school.
As the victims include Foreign Ministry official Satoshi Oyama, Foreign Minister Taro Kono said the loss of Oyama was regrettable and that he would do all he could to support his family.
"He had worked for the embassy in Myanmar and was a member who led Japan's diplomacy with Myanmar," Kono said.
Oyama's wife through her lawyer on Tuesday night said she was deeply saddened by the sudden death of her husband.
