Kishida Forces Street Speech Despite Explosive Throwing, "Sorry for Causing Concern"

Bomb Thrown Before Speech in Wakayama Prefecture
Emergency Evacuation Followed by Scheduled Street Speech Proceeding

[Image source=Yonhap News]

Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida went ahead with a street speech as planned despite the explosive device throwing incident that occurred on the 15th in Wakayama Prefecture.

According to Kyodo News and NHK, around 11:30 a.m. that day, just after Prime Minister Kishida finished an on-site inspection at Saikazaki Fishing Port in Wakayama Prefecture and was about to start his speech, a loud explosion was heard. According to eyewitnesses at the scene, a man threw an object that appeared to be a silver cylinder, followed by white smoke and an explosion sound. Surrounded by security guards, Prime Minister Kishida was evacuated urgently and waited at the Wakayama Prefectural Police Headquarters before proceeding with the scheduled street speech in the afternoon.

[Image source=Yonhap News]

Regarding the explosive device throwing incident at Saikazaki Fishing Port, Prime Minister Kishida said, "I apologize for causing concern and inconvenience." He emphasized, "We are currently conducting an important election. Everyone must work together to accomplish this. You, the main actors of the country, must clearly show your will in the election." Prime Minister Kishida continued his speech for about 20 minutes.

In Japan, election campaigns are in full swing across the country ahead of the second half of the unified local elections on the 23rd and the by-elections for five constituencies of the House of Councillors and House of Representatives, following the first half of the unified local elections held on the 9th. Prime Minister Kishida went on a campaign tour to support the Wakayama Prefecture by-election.