A man named Ryuji Kimura, who is 24 years old and from Hyogo Prefecture, was arrested after throwing a pipe-bomb-like object at Japan’s Prime Minister, Fumio Kishida. This happened on Saturday while Kishida was campaigning for a candidate in the upcoming bypoll elections at a fishing port in Wakayama.
Kimura has not responded to police questioning, and the motive behind the attack remains unknown. Two fishermen first subdued Kimura, and then police officers and security officials pinned him down.
The incident caused panic as there was a loud explosion, but there were no injuries reported. The Prime Minister was taken to the police headquarters of Wakayama prefecture for safety.
Nine months ago, a similar incident occurred when former Prime Minister Shinzo Abe was killed by a lone-wolf attacker while addressing an electoral campaign event.
The motive for Kimura’s attack is being investigated, and the National Police Agency is being urged to ensure the protection of VIPs. Kishida continued with his campaign despite the incident, stating that it should not disrupt the electoral process.
