SDF Soldier’s Intrusion Into Chinese Embassy Seen as Pre-Planned

Mar 26, 2026 | News On Japan

TOKYO - A 23-year-old Ground Self-Defense Force member stationed at the Ebino camp was arrested on suspicion of intruding into the Chinese Embassy in Tokyo after allegedly scaling a wall from a neighboring building, with investigators suspecting the act was premeditated following the purchase of a knife the day before.

The suspect, identified as Kota Murata, was captured on camera at the Azabu Police Station after his arrest.

According to investigators, Murata told police that he had scouted the area around the embassy in advance, saying, "Before the incident, I looked around the embassy and searched for a place where I could enter."

After entering the embassy grounds, Murata reportedly encountered embassy staff and demanded to meet the ambassador, but was subdued on the spot.

Murata admitted during questioning, "It is true that I entered the embassy grounds. Before the incident, I looked around the embassy and searched for a place where I could enter."

Police believe Murata climbed over the embassy wall from an adjacent building to gain access. He sustained multiple cuts on his hands, which investigators suspect were caused by barbed wire while scaling the fence.

Murata also told authorities that he purchased a knife at a retail store in Tokyo the day before the incident, leading the Metropolitan Police Department to treat the case as a planned act while continuing to investigate his motive in detail.

Source: FNN

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