TOKYO: Former Japanese prime minister Shinzo Abe collapsed and later showed no sign of life in hospital after being shot on Friday during a speech in the western city of Nara, local media reported.

A gunshot was heard on-site and Abe was seen bleeding after he was shot from behind by an unidentified man with a handgun, local police told Japan's Kyodo News agency.

Abe, 67, was rushed to a nearby hospital and showed no vital signs, according to the police.

The police also said they captured the man and were questioning him.

The assailant was arrested on the suspicion of attempted murder by the Nara police at the scene, according to local media.

The incident happened as the former leader of the ruling Liberal Democratic Party was on a tour to Nara as part of campaigning for the House of Councillors election scheduled for on Sunday.