Bomber Sentenced to 10 Years for Failed Attack on Former Prime Minister Kishida

Ryuji Kimura was found guilty of attempted murder after his bomb attack on then-Prime Minister Fumio Kishida. The case highlights growing concerns over political violence in Japan, following the assassination of Shinzo Abe.

 

A court in Wakayama, Japan, sentenced Ryuji Kimura to 10 years in prison on Wednesday after he was convicted for attempting to take the life of then-Prime Minister Fumio Kishida using a homemade bomb in 2023. The court found Kimura guilty not only of attempted murder but also on four additional charges relating to explosives, illustrating the severity of his actions.

This incident unfolded during a political event in April 2023, just prior to Kishida's address to supporters, when Kimura hurled the explosive device within the hall. Despite his denial of any intent to murder, the court's ruling stated that Kimura acted purposefully in pursuit of public attention, a motive that has raised alarms in a nation where political violence is relatively rare. Prosecutors had initially sought a harsher sentence of 15 years, pointing to the serious implications of the attack in the wake of the assassination of former Prime Minister Shinzo Abe in July 2022.

The attack on Kishida became particularly concerning for security protocols, as Abe was shot in a targeted attack during a campaign speech, revealing vulnerabilities in the protection offered to high-profile political figures. In Kishida’s case, immediate action from his security team ensured his safety before the device detonated, with the resulting small explosion injuring two individuals in attendance.

Further investigations into Kimura’s background revealed his unemployment status and his alleged motivation to gain notoriety following unsuccessful political commentary on social media. Authorities also found more explosive materials in his possession, including another improvised bomb and a knife, indicating premeditation in his attack.

The ruling articulated the serious societal impact of such violent actions, emphasizing that targeting an acting prime minister contributes to a heightened sense of unease across the country. Following the incident, Fumio Kishida left office in October 2023, leaving behind questions about political security and the potential for future acts of violence against public officials.