Suspect arrested after firebomb attack on Japan's governing party headquarters

Suspect, whose motive remains unclear, drove his car into nearby fencing before launching objects at the building

A man was arrested after throwing several firebombs into the headquarters of Japan’s governing Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) in Tokyo, according to reports from NHK and other Japanese media.

Fortunately, no injuries were reported in the incident on Saturday.

The suspect, whose motive remains unclear, drove his car into nearby fencing before launching the Molotov cocktail-like objects at the building.

Tokyo police are investigating the attack but have not yet released further details. The LDP, dealing with a major political scandal, declined to comment, directing inquiries to the police.

This attack comes at a sensitive time for the party, which has been grappling with public dissatisfaction due to a burgeoning money scandal involving dubious funding and alleged tax evasion.

With the lower house of Parliament elections set for October 27, the LDP is facing increased scrutiny. Several politicians embroiled in the scandal have lost the party’s official endorsement, opting to run as independents instead.

Amidst this turmoil, Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba recently dissolved Parliament, a strategic move aimed at consolidating power and re-establishing public trust in the LDP. Ishiba, who was appointed just last week, is banking on his fresh leadership and the fragmented opposition to secure victory in the upcoming elections.

He emphasized the need for a fair and sincere election to regain public confidence, which has been eroded due to scandals and rising prices under his predecessor, Fumio Kishida.

The dissolution of Parliament allows Ishiba to initiate a snap election, seeking to strengthen his mandate to implement policies addressing pressing issues, including increased defense spending and support for regions suffering from Japan's demographic crisis.

The LDP has historically dominated Japanese politics, guiding the country’s post-war transformation into an economic powerhouse.

However, recent years have been challenging for the party. In 2022, former Prime Minister Shinzo Abe was assassinated while campaigning, an event linked to Abe’s alleged ties to the controversial Unification Church, an issue still haunting the party today.

As the election approaches, Ishiba’s leadership will be tested, with the LDP hoping to maintain its majority despite growing public discontent.

The recent firebomb attack adds to the mounting pressures on the ruling party, which faces not only internal strife but also public outrage as the election date draws near.