On October 25th, 2021, a pipe bomb was hurled at the residence of Japan’s Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga. Fortunately, no one was injured in the attack, but it has raised concerns about the country’s basic security measures. The police have revealed that inadequate security measures enabled the attacker to carry out the attack.
According to reports, the attacker, who has been identified as 56-year-old Toshinori Iwamoto, threw the pipe bomb over the fence of the prime minister’s residence in Tokyo’s Chiyoda Ward. The bomb exploded on the street outside the residence, causing damage to a nearby car. Iwamoto was arrested shortly after the incident and has been charged with attempted murder.
The incident has raised questions about the security measures in place at the prime minister’s residence. According to police, there were no security cameras in the area where the bomb was thrown, and there were no guards stationed at the gate. This allowed Iwamoto to approach the residence undetected and carry out the attack.
The police have since increased security measures around the prime minister’s residence, including installing security cameras and stationing guards at the gate. However, this incident highlights a broader issue of inadequate security measures in Japan.
Japan is known for its low crime rate and relatively safe streets. However, this has led to complacency when it comes to security measures. Many public buildings and facilities do not have adequate security measures in place, which can leave them vulnerable to attacks.
In recent years, there have been several high-profile attacks in Japan that have highlighted this issue. In 2019, a man set fire to an animation studio in Kyoto, killing 36 people. The studio did not have any fire alarms or sprinklers installed, which contributed to the high death toll.
Similarly, in 2018, a man attacked a group of schoolchildren with a knife at a bus stop in Kawasaki, killing two people and injuring 18 others. The bus stop did not have any security cameras or guards stationed nearby.
These incidents have led to calls for increased security measures in public buildings and facilities in Japan. However, there is still resistance to implementing these measures, as many people view them as intrusive and unnecessary.
In the wake of the pipe bomb attack on the prime minister’s residence, it is clear that Japan needs to take a more proactive approach to security measures. While the country may be relatively safe compared to other nations, complacency can lead to tragic consequences. It is time for Japan to prioritize basic security measures to ensure the safety of its citizens and public officials.
