Japan PM Fumio Kishida’s Speech Disrupted by Bombing; Suspect Apprehended
Written by Sanjay Kumar
News Highlights
- Japanese PM Fumio Kishida was evacuated after a loud explosion was heard just before he began his speech in Wakayama.
- According to Japan Times, an apparent smoke or pipe bomb was thrown at the leader.
- The suspect, identified only as a young male, allegedly threw the explosive, NHK said.
During a speech in Wakayama, a city in western Japan, an explosion occurred and Japan’s Prime Minister, Fumio Kishida, was evacuated.
Fumio Kishida
Prime Minister of Japan
- Born: 29 July 1957 (age 65 years), Shibuya City, Tokyo, Japan
- Spouse: Yuko Kishida (m. 1988)
- Education: School of Law, Waseda University (1978–1982), MORE
- Party: Liberal Democratic Party
- Office: Prime Minister of Japan since 2021
- Nationality: Japanese
- Alma mater – Waseda University (LLB)
Authorities have taken the accused into custody according to recent media updates. NHK released video footage of civilians fleeing and an individual being arrested after the incident. The suspect, identified only as a young male, allegedly threw the explosive, NHK said.
As per NHK, the incident happened as Prime Minister Kishida was getting ready to deliver an outdoor speech at the port city location, where a sound resembling an explosion was reportedly audible.
🔴 #AHORA | El momento de la fuerte explosión a metros del Primer Ministro de Japón, Fumio Kishida. ❗️ pic.twitter.com/wVzSQX2DTe
— Mundo en Conflicto 🌎 (@MundoEConflicto) April 15, 2023
According to Japanese media, on April 15, during an outdoor speech in the city of Wakayama, a pipe-like object was thrown near Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida.
The public broadcaster NHK reported that there was a noise resembling an explosion at the site of the incident. Prime Minister Kishida was unharmed and sought refuge at the location.
Videos showed an individual being apprehended by law enforcement personnel while the surrounding area was being evacuated. NHK also reported that the incident occurred as Prime Minister Kishida was inspecting a fishing harbor in the western city of Japan and was about to begin his speech.
Less than a year after former Prime Minister Shinzo Abe was fatally shot during a campaign event in July 2022, this incident took place.
According to reports, Tetsuya Yamagami, who was said to be the perpetrator, supposedly singled him out for assassination due to his association with the Unification Church. As a result of this incident, information about the ties between the religious group and political leaders in Japan came to light.