Incident Overview
On April 15, 2023, during a campaign event at a fishing port in Wakayama, Japan, former Prime Minister Fumio Kishida was targeted in an assassination attempt. The assailant, Ryuji Kimura, threw a homemade pipe bomb towards Kishida, who was evacuated unharmed. The explosion resulted in minor injuries to two bystanders. Kimura was apprehended at the scene.
Legal Proceedings
Kimura, 25, faced multiple charges, including attempted murder and violations of explosives and weapons laws. During his trial, he pleaded not guilty to attempted murder, claiming his intention was to draw attention to his dissatisfaction with Japan’s electoral system. Prosecutors argued that the attack posed a significant threat to democracy and sought a 15-year sentence. On February 19, 2025, the Wakayama District Court sentenced Kimura to 10 years in prison.
Motive Behind the Attack
Investigations revealed that Kimura had previously attempted to run in the July 2022 Upper House election but was disqualified due to his age and inability to pay the deposit fee. He filed a lawsuit challenging the eligibility laws, which was unsuccessful. Frustrated by the outcome, Kimura targeted Kishida to publicize his grievances.
Context of Political Violence in Japan
This incident occurred less than a year after the assassination of former Prime Minister Shinzo Abe during a campaign speech in July 2022. Such acts of political violence are rare in Japan, a nation known for its strict gun control laws and low crime rates. The attacks have prompted discussions on enhancing security measures for public figures and addressing underlying societal issues.
