"Suspect Who Threw Explosive at Japan's Kishida, 24-Year-Old Male"

Male Resident in Hyogo Prefecture... Kishida Resumes Street Speeches

[Image source=Yonhap News]

The suspect who threw an explosive device at Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida has been identified as a 24-year-old man, NHK Japan reported on the 15th, citing Wakayama Prefectural Police.

According to the report, the Wakayama Prefectural Police Headquarters confirmed this information through the suspect's license. The suspect is a 24-year-old man residing in Kawanishi City, Hyogo Prefecture. The suspect's name was "Kimura Ryuji (木村隆二)," but the police explained that the suspect has remained silent about the pronunciation of his name, so they are still verifying it.

Earlier that day, around 11:30 a.m., as Prime Minister Kishida was about to give a support speech for a local by-election at a fishing port in Wakayama Prefecture, a loud explosion occurred. According to eyewitnesses at the scene, a man threw a silver container, which exploded with smoke and a loud bang. Prime Minister Kishida was surrounded by security guards and evacuated urgently. He waited at the Wakayama Prefectural Police Headquarters and later proceeded with his scheduled street speech in the afternoon as planned.

Regarding the explosive incident, Prime Minister Kishida apologized, saying, "I am sorry for causing concern and inconvenience," and emphasized, "Since an important election is currently underway, we must all work together to succeed. You, the main actors of the country, must clearly show your will through this election."