Key Facts
• October 28, 2024, 9:40 AM: Incident occurred on Route 225 in Kagoshima.
• A 62-year-old unemployed man threw lit firecrackers at a lawmaker’s office.
• The office targeted belonged to House of Representatives member Noriyuki Mitazono.
• Prosecutors described the act as “dangerous and malicious” and sought a 1-year prison term.
• The incident disrupted media coverage and office operations the day after the election.
• Defense argued the firecrackers lacked lethal intent and sought a suspended sentence.
• The defendant was undergoing treatment for schizoaffective disorder at the time.
• Verdict is scheduled for August 22, 2025.
Summary
A 62-year-old man is facing charges of obstruction of business after throwing lit firecrackers at the office of House of Representatives member Noriyuki Mitazono in Kagoshima on October 28, 2024. The incident, which occurred the morning after the general election, disrupted media activities and office operations. Prosecutors have labeled the act as “dangerous and malicious,” citing its potential societal impact, and are seeking a one-year prison sentence. The defense argued that the firecrackers were not intended to harm and highlighted the defendant’s ongoing treatment for schizoaffective disorder, requesting a suspended sentence. The court’s verdict is expected on August 22, 2025.
