Knife-wielding ex-Japanese officer faces 18 months for storming Chinese embassy

Tokyo prosecutors are seeking 18 months in prison for Kodai Murata, a former Japan Ground Self-Defense Force (GSDF) officer accused of breaking into the Chinese Embassy with a knife earlier this year, local media reported. The Tokyo District Court will hand down its ruling on December 24.

A file photo of the Chinese Embassy in Tokyo, Japan, March 24, 2026. (Photo: VCG)

On March 24, Murata, then an active-duty second lieutenant, scaled a barbed-wire wall and entered the embassy compound in Tokyo armed with a knife. He allegedly threatened to kill Chinese diplomatic staff and was later arrested by the police. He was dismissed from the GSDF in August.

His trial began on October 1 following his indictment in July on charges including unlawful entry and threatening embassy staff. In court, Murata admitted to trespassing and violating the firearms and swords control law, but his defense team pleaded not guilty to threatening embassy personnel.

Following the intrusion, the Chinese Embassy lodged solemn representations and a strong protest with Japan, demanding a responsible explanation.

The Chinese Foreign Ministry has urged Tokyo to severely punish the perpetrator and conduct a thorough investigation.

So far, Japan has only called the incident "regrettable" and has not issued an apology.