Chinese Embassy in Japan says ‘no action’ after knife-wielding officer intrusion, urges safety measures

The concerns intensified after a 23-year-old serving officer allegedly entered the Chinese Embassy compound in Tokyo with a knife last month.

Published on: Apr 17, 2026, 09:00:00 IST

Written by Shivya Kanojia

Prefer HTon Google

Share via

Copy link

The Chinese Embassy in Japan on Thursday called on Japanese authorities to swiftly probe a series of terror threats and take steps to ensure the safety of its diplomatic missions and personnel in the country.

The concerns intensified after a 23-year-old serving officer allegedly entered the Chinese Embassy compound in Tokyo with a knife last month.

The individual, identified as Kodai Murata, a second lieutenant in the Japan Ground Self-Defense Force, scaled the embassy wall on March 24 and gained access to the premises while carrying a knife. The breach has been formally taken up by the Chinese side, which said it had lodged “solemn representations” with Japan over the matter.

Chinese officials have linked the March intrusion to a series of threats received over recent weeks. Earlier, on March 5, a warning letter was sent to the embassy by individuals claiming to be former Japanese police officers and ex-members of the Self-Defense Forces.

The embassy said it informed Japanese authorities immediately after receiving the letter. However, it has expressed concern that the matter remains unresolved.

Bomb threat claim escalates situation

The situation worsened days after the breach. On March 31, another threat surfaced online, with an individual claiming to be a reserve member of the Self-Defense Forces alleging that a remotely controlled bomb had been planted within the embassy.

Chinese officials have pointed to this claim as another serious security concern, raising questions about follow-up action and preventive measures.

According to officials, the embassy has contacted Japanese police nearly 30 times regarding these incidents. Despite repeated communication, it said there has been limited visible progress in investigations.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Shivya Kanojia
Shivya Kanojia is a journalist at Hindustan Times, where she works in the fast-paced digital news ecosystem with a strong sense of editorial judgement and a clear understanding of what makes a story both important and traffic-driven. An alumna of the Indian Institute of Mass Communication (IIMC), Shivya brings a thoughtful balance of news value and audience relevance to her work, ensuring stories resonate beyond the immediate headline. Over the course of her three-year journey in the digital news space, Shivya has worked across a wide range of beats, including politics, civic issues, human-interest features and trending news. This diverse exposure has shaped her ability to approach stories with nuance, adaptability and context, whether she is breaking down complex developments or spotlighting everyday narratives that often go unnoticed. She is particularly drawn to human-interest stories, interviews and explainers that offer depth and clarity, aiming to move past surface-level reporting to explore the people, emotions and circumstances behind the news. Prior to joining Hindustan Times, Shivya worked with Firstpost and Times Now, where she covered a broad spectrum of topics and honed her skills in digital journalism . Outside the newsroom, Shivya enjoys discovering new cafés, drawn to good coffee, cosy spaces and unhurried conversations. Shopping is another pastime she cherishes, not always out of necessity, but often guided by instinct and the simple joy of stumbling upon unexpected finds. Above all, she treasures time spent with loved ones, finding meaning in shared laughter, simple moments and memories that linger long after.Read More

Japan

Get the latest World News, breaking headlines and global updates from the US, UK, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Russia and other countries. Follow major international events on Hindustan Times.