Japan’s Prime Minister Fumio Kishida evacuated after suspect throws ‘smoke bomb’months after assassination of former PM

JAPAN'S Prime Minister Fumio Kishida was evacuated from a public event after a suspect threw a "smoke bomb".

The incident in Wakayama comes less than a year after the assassination of former prime minister Shinzo Abe.

Kishida, 65, had been due to give a speech and had just finished sampling fish at the Saikazaki harbour when the incident occurred.

Witnesses report seeing a person throwing something before smoke filled the air.

A loud explosion was heard as the premier took cover before police swarmed the suspect and dragged him to the ground.

Moments later, a cloud of smoke could be seen near where Kishida had been standing.

Footage from local broadcaster NHK showed crowds running away as several police officers appeared to pin a man to the ground before removing him from the scene.

A 20-30cm metal pipe was thrown and landed close to where Kishida was standing, NHK reported, citing an official at the scene.

Kishida was not hurt in the bomb scare, and no other injuries were reported.

One witness told NHK: "I ran frantically, and then, 10 or so seconds later, there was a loud sound and my kid started crying. I was stunned, my heart is still beating fast," 

Local media report a 24-year-old man was arrested at the scene on suspicion of obstruction of business.

After resuming his campaign speeches, Kishida said: "Police are investigating the details of the loud explosive sound at the previous speech venue.

"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."

Kishida was elected as Japan's prime minister in 2021 and is also president of the country's Liberal Democrat Party.

By-elections in various regions for the lower house of Japan's parliament are to be held on April 23.

Kishida is to host a G7 summit in Hiroshima next month.

Japan's foreign ministry said after the incident on Saturday, there would be no change to the security plan for a G7 foreign ministers' meeting starting on Sunday in the resort city of Karuizawa.

The incident echoed the assassination of former Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, the longest-serving leader of modern Japan, who was shot with a homemade gun last July while campaigning for a parliamentary election.

Abe was making a speech at a campaign event in Nara when he was allegedly shot from behind - prompting a review of security for politicians.