A police officer in Japan has shot and killed a man who rushed at them with a weapon.

According to Japanese media reports, including Kyodo News, police responded to an emergency call at around 7:00 PM yesterday in Kawachinagano, Osaka Prefecture, reporting that a bloodied man wielding a kitchen knife was rampaging. Officers arrived at the scene and fired upon a man believed to be an adult.

The police officer initially fired a warning shot into the air, but when the suspect lunged at them, a live round fired by the officer struck him in the chest, according to reports.

The man was arrested on the spot for obstruction of official duties and violations of the Swords and Firearms Control Law, and was transported to a hospital where he was pronounced dead.

No other injuries were reported.

Japanese police stated that the decision to open fire met the necessary legal requirements for police use of firearms, while also expressing deep regret over the resulting fatality.

Japanese police are currently investigating the circumstances leading up to the shooting and the identity of the man.

(Photo: Yonhap News)