Manila, April 1 -- Tokyo's Metropolitan Police Department set up Tuesday a section specializing in investigating lone offender terrorism, which involves attacks by people who do not belong to any organizations or groups.

The launch of the first such police section in Japan is designed to help prevent terrorist attacks by lone offenders on important persons and facilities.

"There is a need to take thorough measures against lone offender terrorism," MPD Superintendent-General Yuji Sakoda said at an inaugural ceremony for the section, citing the World Exposition in the western Japan city of Osaka and a House of Councillors election, events scheduled for this year.

"I hope (the section) fulfills its mission and responsibility, with a stron...