Japanese PM Kishida unharmed after explosion heard at port where he was due to speak

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A person (bottom) is detained after throwing an apparent “smoke bomb” in Wakayama on April 15, 2023, where Japan’s prime minister was due to give a speech. STR/JIJI Press/AFP via Getty Images

STR/JIJI Press/AFP via Getty Images

SEOUL — Japanese authorities evacuated Prime Minister Fumio Kishida unharmed after an explosion was heard at a port where he was due to give a stump speech.

There were no reports of injuries, and a suspect was detained for allegedly throwing an explosive during the campaign event.

Kishida was in the city of Wakayama, stumping for a candidate in upcoming by-elections. Public broadcaster NHK reported that an object was thrown and there was an explosion and white smoke.

NHK video shows half a dozen security personnel pinning a person wearing olive-colored pants and sneakers to the ground, before dragging the person away.

Japan updated VIP protection procedures following the assassination of ex-Prime Minister Shinzo Abe last July.

A police report following Abe’s shooting concluded that with better planning and on-site security, Abe’s killing could have been prevented.

npr

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