Police on Thursday revealed the identity of a man taken into custody for allegedly attempting to attack a car carrying Prime Minister Yoshiro Mori here Sunday.
The suspect was named as 23-year-old Yoji Shibukawa, an employee of the Miyoshi Municipal Government.
Police subdued Shibukawa as he approached Mori's motorcade after a ceremony marking the 55th anniversary of the Hiroshima atomic bombing at Peace Memorial Park. The prime minister was on his way to the A-Bomb Museum nearby.
According to Shibukawa's lawyer, the suspect said he wanted to protest the "divine nation" remark Mori made in May.
Police said the suspect is politically active, belonging to the ultraleft Chukakuha (Middle Core Faction).
Investigators said they identified the suspect through his belongings, adding that they have searched his office at Miyoshi City Hall and his home.
According to the municipal government, Shibukawa was hired in April 1999 and had requested one year's leave starting Monday.