A man detained after the emergency surrounding Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida was handed over to the prosecutor’s office, according to a television report. The report did not identify the detainee beyond confirming the transfer for further inquiry.
Police described the item that Ryuji Kimura threw at the prime minister and held when he was arrested as a pipe bomb. Investigators later found explosives, pipes, and tools during a search of the suspect’s home.
On Monday morning, April 17, Kimura was brought to Wakayama Prefecture for questioning. Officially, he faces suspicion of attempting to forcibly interfere with the work process related to government duties and political events.
Earlier, Japanese media had reported that at 11:30 am local time on April 15, after Kishida completed a visit to a fishing port at Saigasaki in Wakayama, an explosion occurred. It was described as an incident that disrupted a public speaking engagement.
Witnesses noted that a device resembling an exploding flare was thrown by the man, which led to his detention by the police. According to Kyodo News, the prime minister was not injured and proceeded to the Wakayama Prefectural Police headquarters shortly after the incident. Kishida emphasized that the incident must not derail the electoral process and that elections should continue as planned.
The case touches on a broader history of political violence in Japan. In 2022, former Prime Minister Shinzo Abe was fatally shot while giving a speech in Nara Prefecture. The attacker, Tetsuya Yamagami, a 41-year-old former Navy serviceman, later stated a motive related to his grievances with the politician. The episode underscored security concerns surrounding political events and the ongoing debate about public safety for public figures.
As authorities pursue legal proceedings, officials noted the importance of maintaining public safety during campaign activities and the need for clear procedures to respond to threats. The investigation continues to determine the exact circumstances surrounding the April events and any potential connections to broader security risks in the region.