Kishida Continues Election Campaign... Thanks Fisherman Who Subdued Terrorist with Phone Call

Observation of Passport Supporters' Rallying Effect

Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida expressed his gratitude by phone to the fishermen who subdued the suspect who threw an explosive device at a campaign event for the Wakayama Prefecture House of Representatives by-election, Japanese media reported on the 16th.

The suspect, Yuji Kimura (24), threw a silver canister toward Prime Minister Kishida, who was preparing to give a speech, at around 11:30 a.m. on the 15th, and was immediately subdued by fishermen nearby. The distance between Kimura and Prime Minister Kishida was about 10 meters, and the silver canister exploded approximately 50 seconds after being thrown.

On the morning of the 15th, a man who threw an explosive device just before Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida's speech in Wakayama Prefecture, Japan, was being arrested. [Image source=Yonhap News]

Prime Minister Kishida took refuge under the protection of his security guards and was not injured. There were no injuries among the audience, and one male police officer in his 30s sustained minor wounds. Kimura is reportedly exercising his right to remain silent, stating he will speak once his lawyer arrives.

Prime Minister Kishida continues his campaign activities in Oita Prefecture, Kyushu, where the House of Councillors by-election is being held. There are also expectations that this explosive device incident will have the effect of rallying support among ruling party backers. In the House of Councillors election held immediately after former Prime Minister Abe was assassinated during a campaign in July last year, the Liberal Democratic Party and its coalition partner, Komeito, achieved a landslide victory.