Former Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe was shot on Friday while campaigning in the city of Nara. 

On Friday, Mr Abe was speaking from behind a traffic barrier near a train station in Nara on behalf of Kei Sato, a fellow member of the ruling Liberal Democratic Party, when two gunshots were fired.

Mr Abe has been taken to Nara Medical University Hospital, according to the Nara Fire Department.

The police arrested Tetsuya Yamagami, a resident of Nara city, for attempted murder on Friday morning.

A police spokesman said the suspect was attempting to kill the former prime minister by shooting “gun-like equipment.”

Prime Minister Fumio Kishida said Mr Abe was in critical condition. 

“Currently doctors are doing everything they can,” Mr Kishida told reporters. “At this moment, I am hoping and praying that former PM Abe will survive this.”

All election campaigns were temporarily suspended after the shooting, Japanese officials said.

Concern has been raised by world leaders, Prime Minister Narendra Modi of India said on Twitter that he was “deeply distressed” by the attack on Mr Abe, whom he described as his “dear friend.”

“Our thoughts and prayers are with him, his family, and the people of Japan,” added Mr Modi.

The United States ambassador to Japan, Rahm Emanuel, sent his prayers to Mr Abe and the people of Japan.

“We are all saddened and shocked,” he said on Twitter. “Abe-san has been an outstanding leader of Japan and unwavering ally of the U.S.”

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese of Australia said on Twitter that “our thoughts are with his family and the people of Japan at this time.”