Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida was evacuated early Saturday from a venue in Japan's Wakayama city after an explosion sounded off as he was was preparing to give a speech.
Local media reported that Kishida was unharmed and detailed that the explosion was heard as a flare-like object was seen being thrown in the direction of the prime minister. One person has since been detained over the incident.
The incident took place at about 11:30 a.m. local time, just after Kishida wrapped a tour of the Saikasaki fishing grounds. The prime minister attended the event to support the by-election for the district.
Reports have indicated there were no immediate signs of injuries or damages at the scene. It has been further detailed that the thrown object was a "smoke bomb." Police have yet to give an official comment on the matter.
Footage from the scene captured the aftermath as dozens scrambled to safety, and officials appeared to take an individual into custody.
Japanese media reported that Kishida has since canceled his speech in Wakayama, and is currently at the Wakayama Prefecture main police headquarters.
The incident comes nearly a year after the assassination of former Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, who was killed while speaking at a campaign event in July 2022.