Authorities in Japan say a man has been shot dead in Machida City, suburban Tokyo. They suspect the involvement of "yakuza" mobsters.

Police received a call about the incident at around 7:30 p.m. on Friday.

A man thought to be in his 50s was reportedly shot near a coffee shop at JR Machida Station. He was confirmed dead about one and a half hours later.

Police believe the victim belonged to a crime syndicate.

They say he appears to have been shot at least three times, adding that bullet cartridges were found at the scene.

The incident occurred in a bustling entertainment district. Eyewitnesses told police that two people fled in a white car.