Japan continues preparations for parliamentary elections

Japan will continue preparations for elections to the upper house of parliament, which are scheduled for July 10.

"Democracy does not succumb to violence. From tomorrow, all pre-election activities will continue," Prime Minister Fumio Kishida told reporters on Friday, commenting on the assassination of former Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe.

Kishida stressed that he had instructed his cabinet to do everything necessary to hold safe elections.

Earlier Friday, amid the assassination attempt on Shinzo Abe, Japan's ruling Liberal Democratic Party decided to suspend all campaign activities, including candidates speaking to voters.