TOKYO (Bernama-Xinhua/Kyodo): The leader of a Japanese political group, Takashi Tachibana, has been slashed in an attack while campaigning in central Tokyo, although his injuries were not life-threatening, Xinhua reported citing the Tokyo police.
At around 5.10 pm local time on Friday, Tachibana, the 57-year-old head of the NHK Party, was attacked by a man with a machete after giving a stump speech in front of the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry, according to the Metropolitan Police Department.
The assailant aimed near Tachibana's head, causing bleeding, including from his ear.
However, he was conscious before being taken to the hospital, and his condition was not life-threatening, police said.
Police arrested 30-year-old Shion Miyanishi on suspicion of attempted murder at the scene while a weapon with a 16-centimetre blade was found.
Police are investigating the details of the attack.
Kyodo reported that Miyanishi, from western Tokyo, has told the police that he "intended to kill him" with the sharp weapon. The suspect aimed near Tachibana's head, causing bleeding including from his ear, according to the police.
The incident took place at around 5:10 p.m. in front of the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry.
Miyanishi was lining up to take a photo with Tachibana and attacked the politician when his turn came. The weapon with a 16-centimeter blade was found at the scene.
A man in his 30s was cut in his left knee as he tried to restrain Miyanishi.
Tachibana had said through social media that he would deliver a speech in front of the industry ministry on Friday.
He is a former House of Councillors member and is known for his controversial remarks and political activities, such as in last November's Hyogo gubernatorial election campaign when he disseminated unverified information in an apparent effort to benefit the incumbent.
In the past, he had suggested that genocide is the solution to overpopulation.
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