Former Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe was killed Friday by an lone domestic terrorist armed with a home-made shotgun. Even after stepping down as Japan’s longest running prime minister, Abe remained a powerful figure in the Indo-pacific region and hugely influential on the world stage.
Killer of Shinzo Abe arrested
At 11:30 a.m. on Friday, July 8, in the Japanese city of Nara, 41-year-old Tetsuya Yamagami calmly walked up behind 67-year-old Shinzo Abe, which distracted security agents didn’t detect. They didn’t see him pull out a home-made shotgun either. He pulled the trigger and everyone noticed the bang.
One quick thinking bodyguard threw a briefcase at the puff of smoke but it didn’t stop the killer from firing a second shot. That one fatally struck the former prime minister in the chest and neck.
The gunman was subdued and is under interrogation. Not a whole lot is known at this time, other than the killer formerly served in the Japanese Navy. He seems to have put his skills to use making a whole collection of weapons and explosives.
His stash was found when they raided his home later. Shinzo Abe was rushed to the hospital though there wasn’t much they could do after he suffered severe blood loss. Motivation is allegedly related to an organization Abe is affiliated with but details are sparse.
The press is reporting that Shinzo Abe was “a towering figure in Japanese politics.” After “serving two terms from 2006 to 2007, and then again from 2012 until poor health forced him to resign in 2020,” that made him the longest running prime minister. Even after he stepped down, Abe “remained hugely influential.”
He was there in Nara to “support the local candidate ahead of Sunday’s ballot.” Japan’s current Prime Minister Fumio Kishida describes the assassination as “an attack on ‘the foundation of democracy’, describing it as ‘heinous’, ‘barbaric and malicious’, and ‘absolutely unforgivable.’” Those were the “most extreme words” he could think of but wished they were stronger.
Born into politics
Not only was Shinzo Abe “perhaps the most significant of Japan’s post-war leaders – a hawkish conservative and economic reformer who dragged the country out of decades of stagnant economic growth and made it a power player on the world stage,” it was his destiny.
He was “Born into a political dynasty.” Since both his grandfather and great uncle held the job, “he was groomed for power from the start.”
Shinzo Abe is “best-known for his ‘Abenomics‘ agenda to revive Japan’s sluggish economy via a program of vast government spending, massive monetary easing, and cutting red tape.” That’s why he got along so well with Donald Trump. He also made more than his share of enemies.
He “pushed for reforms of Japan’s pacifist post-war constitution to allow the country to develop a fully-fledged military, and deepened ties with western allies – particularly with the US.”
Condolences are pouring in from around the world. Boris Johnson noted that Shinzo Abe will be sorely missed. “His global leadership through unchartered times will be remembered by many. My thoughts are with his family, friends, and the Japanese people. The UK stands with you at this dark and sad time.”
According to the Prime Minister of Australia, “Mr. Abe was a leader in the Indo-Pacific, championing a vision of a free and open region. The Quad and the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership are in many ways the results of his diplomatic leadership.“
