Relieved That He Is Safe: PM Modi On Explosion During Japan PM Kishida's Speech

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has said he is relieved to know that Japan PM Fumio Kishida was safe after an explosion occurred during his speech in Wakayama city.

Prime Minister Modi expressed concern over the explosion that occurred in Japan's Wakayama city during the speech of Prime Minister Kishida and said he was relieved to learn that he was safe. He tweeted, "Learnt of a violent incident at a public event at Wakayama in Japan where my friend PM Kishida was present. Relieved that he is safe. Praying for his continued well-being and good health. India condemns all acts of violence." Japan Kishida has escaped unhurt and the attacker has been nabbed by the police, state media reported. This comes less than a year after the assassination of former Japan PM Shinzo Abe.

"Police are investigating the details of the loud explosive sound at the previous speech venue," Kishida was quoted as saying by media when he resumed his campaign speeches. "I am sorry for causing many people to be concerned. We are in the middle of an important election for our country. We must carry this on together," he said.

An explosion-like sound was heard at the scene, public broadcaster NHK reported, adding that Kishida took cover at the site of the explosion site and remained safe.

News footage showed officers removing a man as people cleared the area. Public broadcaster NHK said Kishida had started his speech after touring a fishing harbour when the incident occurred. Kishida was reportedly being served local speciality seafood just before the explosion took place. News video showed Kishida looking behind him in surprise as panic grips the area.

Asahi newspaper identified a man as a staffer of the fishery cooperative who grabbed a young man in a headlock as police swarmed the suspect and dragged him to the ground. Moments later, an explosion and cloud of smoke could be seen near where Kishida had been standing, Reuters reported. NHK video showed the thrown object, which appeared to be a metal cylinder.

Former Japan PM Shinzo Abe Assassination

Former Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe died after he was shot at during an election campaign in July 2022. Abe had collapsed while delivering a speech in the western Japanese city of Nara. 

Shinzo Abe was the longest-serving Prime Minister of Japan who stepped down from the post in 2020 citing health reasons. He first took the office in 2006 becoming Japan's youngest prime minister since World War II. A year later he stepped down citing plagued by political scandals, voter outrage at lost pension records, and an election drubbing for his ruling party. Abe again became the PM in year 2012.