Hong Kong/Tokyo
The Sunday Review
—
Fumio Kishida, the Japanese prime minister, promised on Sunday that he would keep all world leaders in safety during G7 gatherings held within his country. day after A man appeared to throw a smoke-bomb at him While delivering a public speech.
“Japan as a whole must strive to provide maximum security during the dates of the summit (in Hiroshima next month) and other gatherings of dignitaries from around the world,” Kishida’s comments came Sunday at the same time as G7 ministers of foreign affairs, including US secretary of state Antony Blinken started three days of discussions in Karuizawa (Nagano prefecture), a town in central Japan.
On Saturday, Kishida had to abandon a speech he was giving in support of his ruling party’s candidate in a by-election in Wakayama when a small explosive Device was thrown at him. The attack, which left Kishida unharmed, has sent shockwaves throughout Japan and led to comparisons between the shooting of Shinzo Abe last July during his campaign speech at Nara, a western Japanese city.
Prior to Abe’s death the nation had rarely been associated with either political or gun violence.
Campaigning is currently underway in Japan’s nationwide local elections and Kishida has already returned to campaigning in support of his Liberal Democratic Party.
In a statement to journalists from his Tokyo residence, he said that the terrorist attack will not affect the democratic process.
“Violent acts taking place during elections, which are the basis of democracy, can never be tolerated,” Kishida said.
“What is important is to carry through this election to the end. It is important for our country and for our democracy that the voice of the voters is clearly expressed through the election,” He said.
Hirokazu Matsuno – Chief Cabinet secretary – said Saturday that the police will boost security Reuters reports that Kishida will host the G7 Summit in May.
