"Heard a Revelation from God"... Words of the Japanese Self-Defense Force Officer Who Broke into the Chinese Embassy

Last month, a Japan Self-Defense Force officer was apprehended after breaking into the Chinese Embassy in Japan. It has been reported that the suspect claimed to have "heard a revelation from God" as his motive for the act.

On the 25th of last month, a Japanese police officer was standing guard in front of the Chinese Embassy in Tokyo, Japan.

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On April 14, Yonhap News, citing Japan's NHK, reported that "according to investigative officials, the suspect, Godai Murata (23), a Third Lieutenant in the Ground Self-Defense Force (equivalent to a Second Lieutenant in Korea), stated during questioning that he 'heard a divine revelation in a dream instructing him to prevent hardline statements by China.'"

The suspect is under investigation on charges including unlawful entry and violation of the Sword and Firearms Control Law after breaking into the Chinese Embassy in Minato Ward, Tokyo, at around 9 a.m. on March 24, carrying a weapon. When he was apprehended, a weapon was found in the embassy's flowerbed. He told police that he "intended to meet with the Chinese Ambassador to Japan and convey his wish that hardline statements against Japan be refrained from," adding that "if my request was not accepted, I intended to startle them by committing suicide."

Previously, China's Ministry of Foreign Affairs defined this incident as a serious threat to the safety of diplomatic facilities and demanded an immediate investigation and punishment of those involved.

Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian stated on March 24, "(The suspect) threatened to kill Chinese diplomats in the name of God," and argued that "this incident is a grave violation of the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations." He added, "Given the threat to the personal safety of Chinese diplomatic staff and the security of diplomatic facilities, this is an extremely malicious case," pointing out that "it demonstrates the proliferation of far-right ideologies and forces in Japan and reveals the dangers of neo-militarism."

Photo illustrating the article with the flags of China and Japan. Photo by AP Yonhap News.

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On March 26, Japan's Ministry of Defense stated that "there were no particular problems with the suspect's behavior or attitude at work." However, the ministry also emphasized, "It is extremely regrettable that a Self-Defense Force member, who is expected to uphold the law, has been arrested," and stressed, "Once the facts are clarified, we will respond strictly."

This incident occurred amid worsening China-Japan relations following Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi's remarks about potential involvement in a Taiwan contingency. According to reports by Kyodo News and others last month, the Japanese government downgraded its description of relations with China in the 2026 edition of its Diplomatic Bluebook from "most important" to "important neighboring country." The Bluebook also stated that "there are various pending issues and challenges between Japan and China."

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