"Silver Can Thrown with Bang"... Japan Shocked by 20-Year-Old's Terror Attack Targeting Kishida

Both Ruling and Opposition Parties in Japan Say "No Violence"

[Image source=Yonhap News]

Japanese society was shaken by an explosive device throwing incident presumed to have targeted Prime Minister Fumio Kishida. This occurred less than a year after the assassination of former Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, marking another incident seemingly aimed at the current head of government.

According to NHK and others on the 15th, a loud explosion occurred at Saikazaki Fishing Port in Wakayama City, Wakayama Prefecture, Japan, just before Prime Minister Kishida was to hold a campaign rally supporting a by-election. Kishida had visited this location ahead of the by-election scheduled for the 23rd.

Summarizing related reports, around 11:20 a.m. that day, Prime Minister Kishida arrived at Saikazaki Port, tasted sashimi, and then moved to a nearby street speech venue. As Kishida was about to step onto the podium, the suspect threw a silver cylindrical object, and after being restrained by people nearby, a loud explosion occurred along with white smoke.

The suspect was arrested at the scene. According to Wakayama police, the suspect is 24-year-old Yuji Kimura (Kimura Yuji), residing in Kawanishi City, Hyogo Prefecture. NHK reported that he has exercised his right to remain silent so far. Two cylindrical objects presumed to be explosive devices were seized at the investigation site.

Fortunately, Prime Minister Kishida immediately evacuated the scene and was unharmed. After taking refuge at the Wakayama Police Headquarters, Kishida resumed street campaigning from the afternoon. Local media reported that there were no other injuries among the attendees at the rally.

About nine months after the shooting death of former Prime Minister Abe, the explosive device incident presumed to have targeted the sitting Prime Minister Kishida has sent shockwaves through Japan’s political circles.

Toshimitsu Motegi, Secretary-General of the Liberal Democratic Party of Japan, stated, "It is very regrettable that such a violent act occurred during the election period, which is the foundation of democracy." Izumi Genta, leader of the main opposition Constitutional Democratic Party, also tweeted, "I hope Prime Minister Kishida, related personnel, and the audience are all safe," adding, "Although the background and specific circumstances are unclear, acts that harm people can never be tolerated."

Regarding the explosive device incident, Prime Minister Kishida apologized, saying, "I am sorry for causing concern and inconvenience," and emphasized, "Since we are conducting an important election now, we must all work together to succeed. Everyone, who are the main actors of the country, must firmly show your spirit in the election."