Japanese PM Fumio survives in explosion in Wakayama city

TOKYO: Japanese Prime Minister (PM) Fumio Kishida escaped unhurt after a smoke bomb thrown at him as he was set to make a speech in Wakayama prefecture, according to national broadcaster NHK.

The incident occurred on Saturday while Kishida was touring a fishing port in Wakayama, which is located in central Japan near Osaka.

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The PM Fumio Kishida evacuated from the scene to Wakayama police headquarters, as per Kyodo news agency.

Japan police say they’ve arrested suspect who appears to have thrown explosive at port where PM was to speak.

Local media reports suggest a man taken into custody at the venue, as confirmed by Kyodo news agency citing the police. Video footage posted online by Japanese news outlets showed multiple police tackling a figure at the port, while a crowd scattered around them.

Japan has on high alert over the security of its politicians after former PM Shinzo Abe shot and killed last June.

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The explosion that occurred during the prime minister’s speech purportedly caused by a cylindrical object that hurled at the site, as reported by Jiji Press. Following the incident, Kishida left the site and is reportedly safe.

The incident has raised concerns over the security measures in place for political leaders in Japan.