Japanese Self-Defense Force Officer Arrested for Trespassing at Chinese Embassy, Citing Divine Revelation

A Japanese Ground Self-Defense Force officer was arrested last month for trespassing on the grounds of the Chinese Embassy in Japan. Investigating officials stated that the suspect claimed to have heard a divine revelation in a dream, instructing him to stop China's strong statements. The suspect was re-arrested by police today. Koda Murata, 23, a Third Lieutenant belonging to the Ground Self-Defense Force's Ebino Garrison in Miyazaki Prefecture, was initially arrested on March 24 for illegal entry into the Chinese Embassy grounds in Minato Ward, Tokyo. He told investigators he wished to meet the ambassador and ask them to refrain from strong statements against Japan. After the incident, an 18cm kitchen knife, believed to have been carried by the suspect, was found among the embassy's plants. The Tokyo Metropolitan Police Department re-arrested the suspect today on suspicion of violating the Swords and Firearms Control Law. Investigating officials told NHK that the suspect reportedly traveled to Tokyo the day before the incident, spent a night at an internet cafe, and then proceeded to the site. He stated, 'The night before coming to Tokyo, I heard a divine revelation in a dream telling me to stop China's strong statements, so I decided to trespass.' Investigators also noted that the suspect explained he 'did not intend to harm embassy staff or others.' Regarding the kitchen knife found in the plants, the suspect had previously stated he intended to commit suicide if the ambassador did not accept his views, but he has remained silent since his re-arrest. The Tokyo Metropolitan Police Department will continue to investigate the case carefully.