Japan: Japan’s Prime Minister Mr. Fumio Kishida has vowed to boost security as several foreign ministers visit the country, after an apparent smoke bomb was thrown at him.
The Japanese PM was evacuated unharmed recently from a public event, with witnesses describing a person throwing an object, followed by smoke and a loud bang.
A tighter security plan will be implemented for the climate ministers gathering in Sapporo, where Japan will host delegates from the world’s seven richest nations.
Mr. Kishida remarked that the country must maximise its efforts” on security.
“At a time when high-ranking officials from all over the world are visiting, Japan as a whole needs to maximise its efforts to ensure security and safety,” the Japanese PM told reporters.
“It’s unforgivable that such a violent act was committed during an election campaign,” Mr. Kishida added.
According to the police reports, a 24-year-old suspect detained at the scene had been carrying a knife and a possible second explosive device.
After the incident, which happened during a campaign event in Wakayama, Mr. Kishida addressed a crowd in another location, stating that “I would like to apologise for worrying many people and causing them trouble.”
The person was arrested on suspicion of obstruction of business and later identified by authorities as Mr. Ryuji Kimura. The motivation for the apparent attack is still unclear.