Former Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe was shot dead while campaigning on Friday.
Eyewitnesses reported at least two shots.
Patrick Welter
Correspondent for business and politics in Japan based in Tokyo.
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The public television station NHK, citing the ruling Liberal Democrats (LDP), reported that Abe was unconscious and the situation was bad.
The Jiji news agency, citing party circles, reported that Abe bled in the neck after the shots and collapsed.
He should no longer show any vital signs.
NHK, citing firefighters, reported that Abe appeared to be in cardiac arrest.
He was taken to a hospital.
Police arrested a suspect at the scene.
Abe had campaigned for the Liberal Democrats in the city of Nara, western Japan, ahead of next Sunday's upper house election.
Longest tenure
Abe, 67, is Japan's longest-serving prime minister.
He ruled for one year until September 2007 and then again from December 2012 to September 2020 when he resigned due to ill health.
As head of the most important faction in the LDP, Abe continued to have a major influence on Japanese politics.
During his reign, he became internationally known for the aggressive, expansive economic policies of Abenomics.