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. Defense sources say the suspect worked for the Maritime Self Defense Force for three years until around 2005.

Police say the suspect told investigators that he was dissatisfied with the former prime minister and intended to kill him.

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. Police say that the former prime minister appears to have been shot around his chest and neck.

Abe 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.