Japan, with 'zero-tolerance' for gun culture, in shock

Tokyo, July 8

Japan struggled with shock and sadness on Friday, trying to come to terms with the assassination of former PM Shinzo Abe in a nation, where firearms are strictly regulated and political violence extremely rare.

unforgivable

I am not aware of the motives and background behind this attack, but this attack is an act of brutality that happened during the elections — the very foundation of our democracy — and is absolutely unforgivable. Fumio Kishida, Japan PM

Abe was shot while giving a campaign speech on a street corner and taken to hospital by a helicopter. His death was announced late on Friday. From Abe protégé PM Fumio Kishida to ordinary people on social media, there was an outpouring of grief in a nation, where political violence is so rare that the last time a former or sitting PM was killed was nearly 90 years ago.

“I am incredibly shocked,” Tokyo Governor Yuriko Koike told a regular news conference before Abe’s death was announced, fighting back tears and sniffling audibly.

“No matter the reason, such a heinous act is absolutely unforgivable. It is an affront against democracy,” he said. Koki Tanaka, a 26-year-old IT worker in Tokyo, said: “I was simply astonished that this could happen in Japan.” — Reuters

About abe

Sept. 21, 1954: Born in Tokyo, Abe was the son of Shintaro Abe, who served as Japan’s Foreign Minister, and grandson of Nobusuke Kishi, a former PM

1977: Graduated from Seikei University in Tokyo with a degree in political science, after which he moved to the US to study at the University of Southern California

1979: Started working at Kobe Steel as it was expanding its presence

1982: Left the firm to pursue new positions at the Foreign Ministry and with the ruling LDP

1993: First elected as a LDP legislator representing the south-western prefecture of Yamaguchi.

2005: Appointed chief cabinet secretary under PM Junichiro Koizumi. The same year, he was elected head of the LDP, putting him in line to take over as PM

Sept. 26, 2006: Abe became Japan’s PM for the first time, overseeing economic reforms

2007: Resigned as PM, as he was suffering from ulcerative colitis

2012: After again being elected LDP president, Abe became PM for the second time

2013: Seeking to boost growth, Abe launched his “Abenomics” policies featuring easy lending and structural reforms

2014-2020: Re-elected LDP leader, served 2 more terms as PM, during which he developed close relations with then-president Donald Trump

Aug. 28, 2020: Announced to step down as PM, citing health reasons, but by then had already become Japan’s longest-serving PM

2021: Despite leaving office, Abe showed he could still rile up Beijing with comments on Taiwan, the self-governing island China claims as its own territory

July 8, 2022: Abe is fatally shot while giving a speech at a campaign event in Nara. AP

World leaders express shock, grief

UK stands with you

His global leadership through unchartered times will be remembered by many. My thoughts are with his family, and the Japanese people. The UK stands with you at this dark and sad time. Boris Johnson, UK Ex-PM

An odious attack

Deeply shocked by the odious attack. Abe was a great Prime Minister and France stands at the side of the Japanese people. Emmanuel Macron, French President

White house saddened

“We are shocked and saddened to hear about the violent attack against former Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe,” the White House said in a statement on Friday.

China sympathises

“China is shocked…Abe made contributions to promoting the improvement and development of China-Japan relations. China expresses sympathies with his family and the shooting shouldn’t be linked with bilateral relations,” said Zhao Lijian, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson.

Will be greatly missed

“Abe was one of Australia’s closest friends and a giant on the world stage…his legacy was one of global impact, and a profound and positive one for Australia. He will be greatly missed,” said Anthony Albanese, Australian PM.

Join Whatsapp Channel of The Tribune for latest updates.