The Japanese government confirmed on Friday that former Prime Minister Shinzo Abe had been shot in the western region of Nara.

"Former Prime Minister Abe was shot at around 11:30 a.m. in Nara. One man, believed to be the shooter, has been taken into custody. The condition of former Prime Minister Abe is currently unknown," Chief Cabinet Secretary Hirokazu Matsuno told reporters.

"For whatever reason, barbarism like this is unacceptable and categorically condemned."  

(With input from AFP)