Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida has pledged to ensure maximum security during the upcoming G7 meetings in the country, following an incident during a campaign speech where he was targeted with an explosive device. The incident occurred on Saturday when a small bomb was thrown towards Kishida while he was giving a speech in support of his ruling party's candidate in a by-election in Wakayama. The Prime Minister was evacuated unharmed, but the attack has caused concern in Japan, particularly in light of the assassination of former Prime Minister Shinzo Abe last year.
Kishida has emphasized the importance of ensuring the safety of world leaders during the G7 meetings in Hiroshima next month and other gatherings of dignitaries from around the world. Speaking to reporters from his official residence in Tokyo on Sunday, he stressed that violent acts during elections could not be tolerated and that the democratic process must continue. Kishida has returned to campaigning in support of his Liberal Democratic Party, as campaigning continues for Japan's nationwide local elections.
The incident has prompted the Japanese government to increase security measures during the G7 summit in May, with Chief Cabinet Secretary Hirokazu Matsuno stating that police would boost security. The attack on Kishida has drawn comparisons with the assassination of Abe in July.