TOKYO, November 10, 2026 — Japanese prosecutors have requested an 18-month prison sentence for a former member of the country’s Ground Self-Defense Force (GSDF) accused of illegally entering the Chinese Embassy in Tokyo while carrying a knife and threatening diplomatic personnel.

The sentencing request was presented at the Tokyo District Court on Tuesday, November 10, bringing the closely watched case another step towards its conclusion.

The defendant, 24-year-old Kodai Murata, allegedly entered the Chinese diplomatic compound on March 24 after climbing over a wall surrounding the embassy.

The incident attracted international attention because it involved a former member of Japan’s military organisation and raised concerns about the protection of diplomatic missions.

Former Japanese Military Officer Accused of Embassy Intrusion

According to the prosecution, Murata was serving as a second lieutenant in Japan’s Ground Self-Defense Force when the incident occurred.

Investigators alleged that he entered the Chinese Embassy carrying a kitchen knife with an approximately 18-centimetre blade.

After entering the premises, he allegedly threatened Chinese diplomatic personnel.

Embassy staff reportedly restrained him before police officers arrived and took him into custody.

No serious physical injuries were reported in connection with the incident.

Prosecutors Demand 18 Months in Prison

During Tuesday’s court proceedings, prosecutors argued that the defendant’s actions were serious and could have damaged diplomatic relations between Japan and China.

They sought an 18-month custodial sentence, highlighting the risks created by an armed intrusion into a foreign diplomatic mission.

The prosecution also pointed to the importance of protecting diplomatic personnel and maintaining the security of embassy premises.

The defence, meanwhile, requested a fine rather than imprisonment.

The court is expected to deliver its judgment on December 24, 2026.

Defendant Previously Admitted Some Charges

During his first court hearing on October 1, Murata admitted to charges related to trespassing and violating Japan’s laws governing weapons and knives.

However, the defence disputed the accusation of threatening embassy personnel.

The defendant reportedly expressed regret over his actions during earlier proceedings.

Japanese prosecutors had also arranged a psychiatric assessment following his arrest. The examination concluded that he was capable of bearing criminal responsibility for his actions.

Murata was subsequently dismissed from the Ground Self-Defense Force through disciplinary action in August.

Incident Raises Questions About Embassy Security

The case has renewed attention on the security arrangements surrounding foreign diplomatic missions in Japan.

Embassies are protected under international diplomatic conventions, which require host countries to take appropriate measures to prevent unauthorised entry and protect diplomatic personnel.

Any unauthorised armed intrusion can therefore create serious security and diplomatic concerns.

The incident also raised questions about internal supervision and disciplinary procedures within Japan’s Self-Defense Forces.

China-Japan Relations Face Another Diplomatic Challenge

The incident added to existing sensitivities in relations between Tokyo and Beijing.

China expressed strong dissatisfaction following the intrusion and called for a thorough investigation, appropriate punishment and measures to prevent similar incidents.

The Chinese Embassy also emphasised the need to protect diplomatic personnel and maintain the security of its premises.

Japan, for its part, acknowledged the seriousness of the incident and expressed regret over the security breach.

Although the criminal case concerns an individual defendant, its diplomatic implications extend beyond the courtroom.

Court Verdict Expected in December

The Tokyo District Court is scheduled to announce its judgment on December 24.

The decision will determine the legal consequences for Murata and could become an important development in a case that has attracted attention in both Japan and China.

Until the court issues its final ruling, the requested 18-month sentence remains a prosecution recommendation rather than an imposed punishment.

The case highlights the importance of diplomatic security, legal accountability and maintaining stable relations between neighbouring countries.