Japan's NHK Party leader Tachibana attacked in central Tokyo

TOKYO, March 15 (Xinhua) -- The leader of a Japanese political group, Takashi Tachibana, has been slashed in an attack while campaigning in central Tokyo, although his injuries were not life-threatening, the Tokyo police said.

At around 5:10 p.m. local time Friday, Tachibana, the 57-year-old head of the NHK Party, was attacked by a man with a machete after giving a stump speech in front of the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry, according to the Metropolitan Police Department.

The assailant aimed near Tachibana's head, causing bleeding, including from his ear, but he was conscious before he was sent to a hospital and his condition was not life-threatening, police said.

Police arrested 30-year-old Shion Miyanishi on suspicion of attempted murder at the scene while the weapon with a 16-cm blade was found.

Police are investigating the details of the attack. ■