Man given 10-year jail term for attack targeting then Japan PM Kishida

A court in Wakayama Prefecture, Japan, has sentenced a man who threw an explosive device near then former Prime Minister Kishida to 10 years in prison.

The court said that by targeting an incumbent prime minister, the defendant caused anxiety among the public. Kimura Ryuji was accused of injuring two people when he threw the explosive. Kishida was visiting a port in Wakayama City in April 2023 to campaign for a candidate in a Lower House by-election. Kishida was quickly evacuated from the scene, unharmed.

The 25-year-old Kimura stood trial at the Court on five charges, including attempted murder and Explosives Control Act violations. Presiding Judge Keiko said tests by experts found the explosive to be lethal. She said Kimura threw the explosive, knowing that the then prime minister might die, and determined he was guilty of attempted murder.