Former Japanese Prime Minister Abe Shinzo reportedly remains in hospital without vital signs after being shot on the street in the western prefecture of Nara.

Police have arrested Yamagami Tetsuya for attempted murder. Investigative sources told NHK a gun seized at the scene appeared to be handmade. The 41-year-old suspect lives in Nara city where the shooting took place.

Video taken by an NHK reporter appears to show security for the event apprehending someone.

There's no further update on Abe's condition. Emergency officials say he does not appear to have any life signs.

Our reporter at the scene heard two shots around 11:30 a.m., shortly after Abe began to speak.

He was in the city to support a candidate in this weekend's Upper House election.

The local Liberal Democratic Party office says Abe's appearance was decided on Thursday night and those details were later released to supporters.