In a landmark ruling, a Japanese court has sentenced 25-year-old Ryuji Kimura to 10 years in prison for his shocking attack on former Prime Minister Fumio Kishida during a 2023 campaign event. Kimura was convicted of attempted murder and four other crimes, including violations of explosive and weapons laws, following his failed assassination attempt.
The attack, which took place on April 15, 2023, at a small fishing port in Wakayama, saw Kimura hurl a homemade pipe bomb at Kishida. While the former prime minister emerged unscathed, two bystanders sustained minor injuries. Kimura was immediately apprehended at the scene.
During his trial, Kimura pleaded not guilty to attempted murder, claiming he never intended to kill Kishida but sought to draw attention to his dissatisfaction with Japan’s election system. However, the Wakayama District Court ruled that Kimura was fully aware of the deadly potential of his weapon. The court deemed the attack a direct assault on democracy and a serious threat to public safety.
Prosecutors argued that Kimura acted with intent to kill, emphasizing that his homemade bomb was capable of causing fatal harm. They initially sought a 15-year prison sentence, but the court ultimately handed down a 10-year term.
This shocking incident occurred just a year after the assassination of former Prime Minister Shinzo Abe in Nara, underscoring growing concerns about political violence in Japan. While gun-related crimes remain rare due to the country’s strict firearm laws, recent attacks involving homemade weapons and explosives have raised alarms about evolving security threats.
As Japan grapples with the implications of this case, the sentencing of Kimura serves as a stark warning against acts of political violence.
