A man was arrested in Tokyo on Saturday morning after allegedly throwing several suspected petrol bombs at the headquarters of the ruling party, Japanese media reported. This incident comes just over a week before the general election, scheduled for October 27.
According to public broadcaster NHK, five or six Molotov cocktail-like objects struck a riot police vehicle, but the fire was quickly extinguished, and there were no reported injuries. Police could not immediately confirm the details to AFP.
The suspect, believed to be in his 40s, reportedly attempted to drive his car onto the grounds of the prime minister’s office but was blocked by a fence. He then allegedly tried to throw what appeared to be a smoke bomb but was apprehended by police officers on-site.
The man was arrested on suspicion of obstructing public order, according to reports citing police sources. The incident occurred shortly before 6 a.m. (2100 GMT Friday), and multiple polyethylene tanks were found in the man’s vehicle, as reported by the Asahi Shimbun and other outlets.
Japan is set to hold a general election on October 27, which will serve as a significant test for new Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba, who recently assumed office after winning the ruling Liberal Democratic Party’s leadership vote last month. Violent crime is uncommon in Japan, known for its strict gun control laws; however, the nation was shocked in 2022 when former Prime Minister Shinzo Abe was assassinated during a campaign event by a man using a makeshift firearm.