Police search Japan Self-Defence Forces base following embassy encident

Police conducted a search on March 29 at a Japan Self-Defence Forces (SDF) base in Miyazaki Prefecture in connection with a recent security incident at the Chinese Embassy in Tokyo.

According to The Japan Times, the investigation involves 23-year-old Lieutenant Kodai Murata, who allegedly entered the embassy grounds without permission approximately a week ago.

Police say Murata told investigators that he entered the embassy to “express his opinions to the ambassador” and had planned to take his own life to “shock” staff if his requests were denied. He also claimed he wanted China to refrain from making harsh statements toward Japan. No one was injured.

Murate was initially detained by embassy staff and later arrested by police. A knife allegedly belonging to him was found in bushes on the embassy grounds.

Investigators say that after leaving the barracks on March 29, Murate travelled to Tokyo by bus and train, stayed at an internet café, and made small purchases about 90 minutes before the incident. He reportedly scaled a barbed-wire wall to enter the embassy.