Former Japanese prime minister Shinzo Abe has died after being shot while giving a speech in the western city of Nara, state broadcaster NHK said.
His death was also confirmed by a source within the ruling Liberal Democrat Party, Reuters reported.
Mr Abe, who was 67, sustained wounds to the right side of his neck and to the left collarbone, the Nara City Fire Department said, adding that he was in cardiopulmonary arrest before being taken to hospital.
NHK aired footage showing Mr Abe collapsed in the street with security guards running towards him.
A puff of white smoke was seen as Mr Abe made a campaign speech outside a railway station.
A reporter at the scene said they heard two consecutive bangs during Mr Abe’s address.
A 41-year-old man has been arrested, police said.
Earlier, current prime minister Fumio Kishida said that while “everything that can be done is being done to revive him”, Mr Abe was “in a grave condition”.
Mr Kishida added that the “act of brutality” was “absolutely unforgivable”. He has asked all members of the cabinet to return to Tokyo. Elections to Japan’s upper house are due to be held on Sunday.
