Japan vows G7 security boost after smoke bomb
Japan’s Prime Minister, Fumio Kishida, has pledged to improve security measures as foreign ministers from G7 nations visited the country following an apparent smoke bomb attack on him.
The PM was attending a public event on Saturday when an object was thrown at him, followed by a loud bang and smoke. He was unhurt and was immediately evacuated. A 24-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of obstruction of business, with police saying he was carrying a knife and a possible second explosive device.
The motivation for the apparent attack remains unknown.PM Kishida apologised for causing concern and worry, saying that violent acts during election campaigns were “unforgivable”. He added that Japan needed to maximise its security efforts as high-ranking officials from around the world were visiting.
There are concerns about the security of Japanese politicians after the fatal shooting of former Prime Minister Shinzo Abe during an election campaign last year. Violent attacks are extremely rare in Japan.