A loud explosion has been heard at an outdoor event being attended by Japan's prime minister.

Japanese media claims a pipe-like object was thrown at Fumio Kishida, and it appeared to be a smoke bomb.

It happened shortly after he began a speech at a port in the city of Wakayama - and the leader was subsequently evacuated.

Image: A man was held to the ground by police at the scene. Pic: Kyodo News/AP

According to NHK, he took cover and remained safe during the incident - and no other injuries have been reported.

One eyewitness told the news channel that she saw an object flying overhead, adding: "It gave me a bad feeling, so we ran away unbelievably fast. Then we heard a really loud noise. It made my daughter cry."

Footage from the scene showed a man being pressed to the ground by uniformed officers as crowds ran away. Police later confirmed that an arrest had been made.

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Suspect held after blast during Japan PM visit
Image: The PM was evacuated from the scene. Pic: Yomiuri Shimbun/AP

Last July, former prime minister Shinzo Abe - the country's longest-serving leader - died after being shot at close range while making a campaign speech outside a train station.

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The assassination shocked the nation and prompted a review of security for politicians.

Mr Kishida was visiting the area to cheer one of his party's candidates, who is taking part in a local election.