Japan’s Prime Minister Fumio Kishida, a day after he was evacuated from an apparent attack, vowed on Sunday (Apr 16) to do everything possible to ensure the safety of meetings of the Group of Seven (G7) industrial powers through next month.
Kishida escaped unhurt after a suspect threw what appeared to be a smoke bomb during an election campaign stop at a fishing port in western Japan.
The suspect, identified by police as 24 year-old Ryuji Kimura, was also carrying a knife when he was arrested, as well as a possible second explosive device he dropped at the scene after bystanders and police tackled him, Kyodo news agency reported.
No motive for the apparent attack, in which media said one police officer was slightly injured, has been announced.
Speaking to reporters, Kishida said Japan must not allow acts of violence that attack the foundation of democracy.
“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,” Kishida told reporters on Sunday.
“It’s unforgivable such a violent act was committed during an election campaign,” he added.