A trial is yet to begin for a man accused of throwing an explosive device at Prime Minister Kishida Fumio although one year has passed since the incident occurred on April 15, 2023.

Prime Minister Kishida was visiting Saikazaki fishing port in Wakayama in western Japan to give a campaign speech for a by-election for the House of Representatives.

25-year-old Kimura Ryuji, who was arrested at the scene, was indicted on charges of attempted murder of the prime minister, but the pre-trial procedures have not yet been completed, and there is no prospect of the trial starting.

S/ Hamada Mitsuo, President of the Saikazaki fishermen’s cooperative: It’s been a year already, that’s all I can say. (Saikazaki fishing port) is a quiet town, and there are no incidents at all. (As for the accused Kimura), well, I’m a little frustrated.

Authorities believe that Kimura was dissatisfied with the country’s electoral system, but the detailed motive has not been revealed.