Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida has pledged to do everything possible to safely host the G7 summit and related events. Officials attending the gathering in Japan are expected to arrive under tight security measures, and the prime minister stressed the importance of ensuring their safety throughout the proceedings, as reported by TASS.
Kishida commented on the disruption caused by the incident in Wakayama Prefecture, where he was scheduled to deliver a speech. He remained unharmed and was promptly taken to the Wakayama Prefectural Police headquarters for a check on safety protocols and to coordinate the response. In a statement following the events, he affirmed that the incident should not derail the electoral process and that elections should proceed as planned.
Earlier online footage suggested a video capture taken shortly before the Wakayama speech was interrupted. Reports indicate that a 24-year-old individual, identified as Ryuji Kimura, appeared to throw what authorities described as a flare, triggering an explosion. The person responsible was detained by police and is under investigation for potential charges related to the disturbance. The incident sparked immediate concerns about public safety in the region and prompted a rapid security review for the remaining campaign events and rally logistics.
Analysts noted that the timing of the attack, amid ongoing election campaigns and an international summit, underscores the wider security challenges faced by politicians and organizers. Political observers in Japan emphasized that maintaining public trust hinges on transparent and swift investigations, clear communication with the public, and continued adherence to safety standards at all political events. The G7 summit schedule went ahead with heightened security and contingency plans to reassure participants and residents alike.
The Wakayama incident drew immediate attention from residents and media outlets across the country, who questioned how such disruptions could affect public participation in elections and civic events. Authorities stated that security measures would be intensified in the days ahead, with additional patrols, checked checkpoints, and coordinated responses among law enforcement agencies. Expert commentary highlighted the need for vigilance while balancing the right to political engagement with the imperative to protect public safety.
In summary, Kishida’s assurances reflected a broader commitment to safeguarding political processes and international dialogues during times of unplanned disruption. The government reiterated its intent to proceed with elections and the G7 preparatory activities, while investigators continued to piece together the sequence of events surrounding the Wakayama incident and the motives behind it. The incident, though alarming, did not derail planned campaigns or the summit’s broader agenda, according to official updates and contemporaneous reporting from the day.