According to local media reports, on Saturday, a suspect threw what appeared to be a smoke bomb at an outdoor speech in western Japan, which was being given by Prime Minister Fumio Kishida. Although a loud explosion was heard, the prime minister took cover and was unharmed while police subdued a man at the scene.
There were no injuries reported. Kishida resumed his campaign speeches, and apologized for causing concern, adding that an investigation was underway to determine the details of the explosion.
The incident comes after the assassination of former Prime Minister Shinzo Abe in July 2022, which shocked the nation and prompted a review of security for politicians. By-elections are scheduled for Japan’s parliament on April 23. The government has instructed police to boost security and will ensure security at the upcoming Group of Seven summit in Hiroshima.
The government will wait for results from the police investigation before commenting on the suspect’s motive. The incident occurred at the Saikazaki fishing harbor in Wakayama prefecture. A metal pipe was thrown and landed close to where Kishida was standing.
Police arrested a 24-year-old male suspect from Kawanishi city with the family name of Kimura, who so far has remained silent.
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