Arrest of GSDF Officer at Chinese Embassy in Tokyo
A 23-year-old Japan Ground Self-Defense Force officer was arrested after allegedly scaling the wall of the Chinese embassy in Tokyo, carrying an 18-centimeter kitchen knife.
On Tuesday morning in March, Kodai Murata, a second lieutenant in the Japan Ground Self-Defense Force (GSDF), was arrested following the incident. According to the embassy, staff restrained him and handed him over to Tokyo police, who charged him with trespass and illegal possession of a weapon. No injuries were reported.
Incident Details
Police confirmed Murata's arrest. He is a member of the GSDF stationed at Camp Ebino in Miyazaki prefecture. The GSDF stated that officials are cooperating with the police investigation.
According to Japanese media citing police, the suspect allegedly entered the embassy with the intention of telling the Chinese ambassador to alter China’s stance on Japan. He reportedly stated he would commit suicide with the knife if his demand was rejected.
NHK reported that Murata told investigators he received a "divine message" days earlier instructing him to stop China from using "strong language" against Japan. He then traveled from his base to Tokyo the next day. A knife was found at the scene.
Diplomatic Reactions
China’s Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian stated that China is "deeply shocked by the incident" and has lodged "solemn representations" and a "strong protest." Lin asserted that Japan has failed to properly manage its Self-Defense Forces personnel and has not fulfilled its responsibility to ensure the security of Chinese embassies and their staff. He demanded that Japan investigate, punish the individual, provide an explanation, and implement preventive measures.
China’s acting ambassador Shi Yong questioned why incidents involving Self-Defense Forces personnel had occurred and demanded an investigation.
Japan’s Chief Cabinet Secretary Minoru Kihara described the arrest of an SDF soldier as "extremely regrettable." He expressed regret over the alleged trespassing and noted that Japanese police provide routine security around the Chinese embassy, which has since been reinforced.
Following China’s protest, Japan conveyed its regret and explained that Japanese ministries would respond appropriately, including taking preventive actions under relevant international and domestic laws, according to Kihara. Japan did not issue a formal apology. Defense Minister Shinjiro Koizumi promised strict disciplinary action once facts are clarified.
Additional Security Threats
The embassy stated it received a death threat 19 days before the break-in from a group purportedly including former police and Self-Defense Forces members. Six days after the break-in, a separate online bomb threat was received, allegedly from a Self-Defense Forces member claiming a remote-controlled bomb was planted in the embassy.
Bilateral Tensions
Tensions between Japan and China have increased in recent months. This follows Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi’s statement in November that a Chinese military action against Taiwan could constitute a "survival-threatening situation" for Japan, potentially requiring the use of force.
Beijing, which views Taiwan as part of its territory, has subsequently heightened diplomatic and trade reprisals against Japan, including restrictions on shipping and rare earth minerals to some Japanese companies. China has also raised concerns about Japan’s growing military exports and changes to its post-World War II pacifist policies.
Local Perspectives
Chinese expatriates in Tokyo reported no personal experience of tension. Students and workers said government disputes did not affect their daily lives and urged a rational perspective.
Expert Commentary
Stephen Nagy of International Christian University said bilateral trust was at an "absolute historic low." Satoshi Tomisaka of Takushoku University said Japan’s refusal to apologize indicated resistance to handing Beijing a propaganda victory.