Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida was evacuated on Saturday after an explosion followed by smoke while delivering an election speech in western Japan’s Wakayama prefecture.
Kishida had just begun his speech after visiting a fishing port in the city when the incident occurred. A man hurled a smoke bomb at the prime minister from a crowd of several hundred. Then the sound of a loud explosion was heard and smoke developed.
Unharmed
Kishida took cover and was unhurt, state broadcaster NHK reported. No one was injured and no damage was caused. Officers overpowered a man as people evacuated the area. Government sources confirmed that a 24-year-old man was arrested. A possible motive is not yet known.
Kishida gave the speech to campaign for a party member. After the incident, he resumed campaigning.
Little violence
Japan has a relatively low violent crime rate and strict gun laws. Yet, in July 2022, the country was rocked by the assassination of former Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, who was shot and killed while speaking at an election event. Security measures have since been tightened.
The incident comes as ministers from the G7 countries meet in Japan. Climate and energy ministers will meet in Sapporo, northern Japan on Saturday. Foreign ministers meet in Karuizawa on Sunday. G7 heads of government will meet in Hiroshima next month.
Source: BNR
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