Former Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe has passed away, public broadcaster NHK confirmed. Mr. Abe was shot in the chest twice while delivering a speech in Nara around 11.30 a.m. local time on Friday morning.
He collapsed and was bleeding as people heard two gunshots. He was then rushed to a hospital. According to officials, he was shot in the chest. Police have nabbed one suspect.
Mr. Abe, 67, was making an election campaign speech ahead of Sunday’s election for the Japan Parliament’s upper house.
Here are the latest updates:
Biden orders U.S flags flown at half-staff to honor Japan’s Abe
President Joe Biden said on Friday he had ordered U.S. flags to be flown at half-staff through July 10 to honor Shinzo Abe after the former Japanese prime minister was gunned down while campaigning for a parliamentary election.
Abe “was a proud servant of the Japanese people and a faithful friend to the United States,” Mr. Biden said in statement. “Even in the moment he was attacked and killed, he was engaged in the work of democracy, to which he dedicated his life.” - Reuters
Germany ‘shocked’ by attack
German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock said Friday she was horrified by the attack on Japan’s former premier Shinzo Abe after he was shot at a campaign event.
“I’m shocked by the news that Shinzo Abe was shot,” she tweeted from a G20 meeting in Bali. “My thoughts are with him and his family.”
Former German chancellor Angela Merkel, who had frequent contact with Abe for several years while both were still in office, said she was “dismayed” at the news of the “terrible attack on my long-time colleague”.
“Our cooperation was close and based on trust, I always enjoyed working with him,” she said in a statement released before Japanese media reported Abe’s death from his wounds.
“My thoughts in these hours are with him, his wife and his whole family,” Ms. Merkel said. - AFP
Manmohan Singh remembers working with ‘good friend’ Abe to elevate India-Japan ties
Former prime minister Manmohan Singh on Friday expressed sadness over the assassination of Japan’s ex-premier Shinzo Abe and said during his tenure, they both worked to raise ties between the two countries to the level of global and strategic partnership.
In a letter to the Japanese Ambassador in India Satoshi Suzuki, Mr. Singh described the former Japanese PM as his friend.
“I am deeply saddened and shocked to learn about the tragic assassination of Former Prime Minister His Excellency Shinzo Abe. He was a good friend of mine. During my tenure as Prime Minister, we worked to raise both our countries’ ties to the level of a global and strategic partnership. Our efforts elevated India - Japan relations to a qualitatively new level,” Mr. Singh said in his letter to the Japanese Ambassador.
He also conveyed to the members of Abe’s family and the people of Japan his deepest condolences. - PTI
Biden deplores Shinzo Abe killing as a ‘tragedy for Japan’
U.S. President Joe Biden on Friday said he was “stunned, outraged, and deeply saddened” by the assassination of Japan’s former prime minister Shinzo Abe, who was shot dead while delivering a campaign speech.
“This is a tragedy for Japan and for all who knew him,” Mr. Biden said in a statement. “Even at the moment he was attacked, he was engaged in the work of democracy.”
“The United States stands with Japan in this moment of grief. I send my deepest condolences to his family.”
Former president Barack Obama called Abe “my friend and longtime partner” and said the slain politician was “devoted to both the country he served and the extraordinary alliance between the United States and Japan.”
Former president Donald Trump also weighed in, saying the detained assassin “will hopefully be dealt with swiftly and harshly.”
Of Abe, Mr. Trump said: “he was a unifier like no other, but above all, he was a man who loved and cherished his magnificent country, Japan. Shinzo Abe will be greatly missed.” - AFP
Suspect held grudge against organisation he believed Abe was connected to: Japanese police
The suspected killer of Japan's former prime minister Shinzo Abe admitted targeting him and said he held a grudge against an organisation he believed the politician was connected to, police said Friday.
"The suspect stated that he held a grudge against a particular organisation, and that he committed the crime because he believed former prime minister Abe had a connection to it," a senior police officer in Japan's Nara region told reporters, declining to give further details. - AFP
Abe shooting suspect said he used handmade gun: Japanese police
Japanese police on Friday named the suspected killer of former prime minister Shinzo Abe as unemployed 41-year-old Tetsuya Yamagami, who told officers he had used a handmade gun.
"That's the suspect's assertion, and we have determined that (the gun) is clearly handmade in appearance, although our analysis is currently ongoing," a police officer in Nara region, where the assassination took place, told reporters. -- AFP
Tricolour to be flown at half-mast across India on Saturday
The national flag will be flown at half-mast throughout India on Saturday on all buildings where it is flown regularly with the government announcing a day of mourning as a mark of respect to former Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe.
“The national flag will be flown at half-mast on the day of mourning throughout India on all buildings where the national flag is flown regularly and there will be no official entertainment on the day,” the Home Ministry said in a statement. - PTI
Amit Shah condoles Abe’s death, calls him India’s ‘valued friend’
Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Friday condoled the assassination of former Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe and said he was India’s “valued friend”.
“Pained to learn about the assassination of the former PM of Japan and India’s valued friend, Mr Shinzo Abe. His efforts in strengthening the India-Japan relationship will always be held fondly in our memories. My deepest condolences to his family, followers & the people of Japan,” Mr. Shah tweeted. - PTI
Embassy of India in Tokyo releases statement
Difficult to believe that Shinzo Abe is no more: President Kovind
President Ram Nath Kovind on Friday condoled the death of Shinzo Abe and said he found it difficult to believe that the former Japanese Prime Minister was no more.
Mr. Kovind said Abe falling prey to an assassin’s bullet was a tragedy for the entire humanity.
“I find it difficult to believe that Shinzo Abe is no more. He was a great statesman, & his infectious affability endeared him the world over. That he fell prey to an assassin’s bullet is a tragedy for the whole humanity. My heartfelt condolences to his family and people of Japan,” Mr. Kovind tweeted. - PTI
MHA announces one-day state mourning on July 9
The Ministry of Home Affairs has announced one-day state mourning tomorrow (July 9) as a mark of respect in light of the passing away of Shinzo Abe, former Prime Minister of Japan. - Vijaita Singh
Japan PM Kishida orders enhanced security for top politicians
Japanese Prime Minister Kishida Fumio on Friday ordered enhanced security for Cabinet ministers and other politicians following the fatal shooting of former Prime Minister Shinzo Abe during an election campaign in western Japan’s Nara city.
Mr. Kishida, who along with his Cabinet ministers hastily returned to Tokyo from campaign events around the country after the shooting, condemned the attack as “dastardly and barbaric”. -PTI
Kejriwal condoles Abe’s death
Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal condoled the death of former Prime Minister of Japan Shinzo Abe on Friday, saying the world has lost a great leader. “Saddened to know about the demise of former PM of Japan Shinzo Abe. The world has lost a great leader. May the departed soul rest in peace. My prayers are with his family and friends,” Mr. Kejriwal tweeted.
Earlier in the day, the Delhi Chief Minister termed the attack on Abe “shocking and unfortunate”. - PTI
Image released shows man who is believed to have shot Abe tackled by police in Nara
A man, believed to have shot former Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, is tackled by police officers in Nara, western Japan on July 8, 2022. | Photo Credit: Reuters
Assassination of Abe stuns world leaders
Friday’s shocking assassination of Japan’s former Prime Minister Shinzo Abe in one of the world’s safest countries stunned leaders and drew condemnation, with Iran calling it an “act of terrorism” while Spain slammed the “cowardly attack.”
Leaders from Turkey to Singapore condemned the attack, and British Prime Minister Boris Johnson called the shooting “despicable.” “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,” Mr. Johnson tweeted.
South Korea President Yoon Suk-yeol sent condolences to Akie Abe, Shinzo Abe’s wife. “I send my condolences to the bereaved families and Japanese people who have lost the longest-serving prime minister and respected politician in Japan’s constitutional history,” Mr. Yoon was quoted as saying in a statement delivered by the presidential office.
Iran condemned the shooting as “an act of terrorism.” “As a country that has been a victim of terrorism and has lost great leaders to terrorists, we are following the news closely and with concern,” Iran’s Foreign Ministry spokesperson said.
“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 shortly after Abe’s shooting.
New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern earlier expressed her shock about the shooting. She said Abe was one of the first leaders she met after taking office and described him as deeply committed to his role, generous and kind. “I recall him asking after the recent loss of our pet when I met him, a small gesture but one that speaks to the kind of person he is,” Ms. Ardern said. “Events like this shake us all to the core.”
Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez sent his best wishes to Abe’s family. “Spain stands together with the people of Japan in these difficult times,” he tweeted.
Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said Abe was one of Australia’s closest friends and a “giant on the world stage,” adding that “his legacy was one of global impact, and a profound and positive one for Australia. He will be greatly missed.”
French President Emmanuel Macron on Friday addressed his condolences to the Japanese people and government after the murder of Shinzo Abe, saying “Japan has lost a great prime minister”. Abe had “dedicated his life to his country and worked for stability in the world”, Mr. Macron said in a Tweet. - Agencies
Sonia Gandhi mourns Abe, terms his death ‘a huge misfortune’
Congress President Sonia Gandhi expressed her shock at the assassination of former Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe.
“I am shocked at the assassination of Mr. Shinzo Abe, former Prime Minister of Japan”, she said in a statement.
“For many years, Mr. Abe was a great friend and well-wisher of India. He did much to expand and deepen the bilateral relationship between our two countries. I recall my meeting with him very fondly and vividly. It is a huge misfortune that has befallen Japan and indeed, the entire international community. He will be sorely missed.” - Sandeep Phukan
Blinken mourns Abe as ‘leader of great vision’
U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken on Friday mourned slain former Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe as a visionary leader who boosted relations between the two allies.
Meeting his Japanese and South Korean counterparts jointly at a G20 meeting in Bali, Mr. Blinken called Abe “a leader with great vision” who “brought the relationship between our countries, the United States and Japan, to new heights”. - AFP
Putin says Abe’s death ‘irreplaceable loss’
Russian President Vladimir Putin on Friday called the death of Japan’s former Prime Minister Shinzo Abe an “irreplaceable loss.” In a telegram to Abe’s family, Mr. Putin called Abe an “outstanding statesman” who had done a lot to develop “good neighbourly ties between our countries.”
“I wish you and your family strength and courage in the face of this heavy, irreparable loss,” Mr. Putin said, according to a statement released by the Kremlin. - AFP
“Japan is back”: How Shinzo Abe restored Japan’s global standing
During a visit to the United States in February 2013, shortly after becoming Japan’s Prime Minister for the second time – a post he would hold longer than any other Japanese leader – Shinzo Abe declared, “Japan is back”.
Those three words would come to define Mr. Abe’s unique and unparalleled legacy on Japan’s politics, both at home and abroad, where he did more than any other Japanese leader to raise Japan’s standing on the world’s stage. - Ananth Krishnan, The Hindu’s China correspondent.
Click here to read more about the career of a leader who redefined Japanese politics and diplomacy.
Japanese Prime Minister Kishida ‘lost for words’ after Abe’s assassination
Japan’s Prime Minister Fumio Kishida said he was “lost for words” after the assassination of former premier Shinzo Abe on Friday.
“I was praying that his life would be saved, but despite that, I came to learn of (his death). It is truly regrettable. I am lost for words. I offer my sincere condolences and prayers that his soul may rest in peace,” an emotional Mr. Kishida told reporters. - AFP
Anguished by Abe’s demise: Vice President Naidu
Vice President M. Venkaiah Naidu on Friday expressed anguish over the demise of former Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, and said he played a crucial role in strengthening India-Japan ties.
“Anguished by the demise of former Japanese Prime Minister, Mr Shinzo Abe. Mr Abe played a crucial role in strengthening India-Japan ties,” Mr. Naidu said in a tweet. “My deepest condolences to his family members and the people of Japan,” he added. - PTI
Scholz says ‘aghast and deeply sad’ over Abe’s killing
German Chancellor Olaf Scholz expressed shock and solidarity with Japan on Friday after the killing of former Prime Minister Shinzo Abe.
“The deadly attack on Shinzo Abe has left me aghast and deeply sad,” the German leader tweeted. “I extend deep sympathy to his family, my colleague Fumio Kishida and our Japanese friends. We stand with Japan in these difficult hours.” - AFP
Kremlin hails Abe as ‘patriot’
The Kremlin on Friday said it was saddened by the death of Japan’s former Prime Minister Shinzo Abe and hailed him as a “patriot.”
“We are deeply saddened by the news from Japan,” Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said shortly after a Japanese hospital confirmed Abe was pronounced dead after being shot at a campaign event. “Abe was truly a patriot of Japan.” - AFP
Obituary: Shinzo Abe sought to reinvigorate Japan with bold economic policies, strong armed forces
Shinzo Abe, Japan’s longest-serving Prime Minister, who sought to lift the economy out of chronic deflation with his bold “Abenomics” policies, beef up the military and counter China’s growing clout, has died at 67.
Abe, who left office in 2020, was shot and killed on Friday during an election campaign speech in an attack his protege and incumbent Prime Minister Fumio Kishida called “absolutely unforgivable”.
Click here to read more about the Japanese statesman.
Deeply saddened by demise of Abe: Rahul
Former Congress President Rahul Gandhi on Friday expressed condolences over the demise of former Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, and lauded his role in strengthening the strategic relationship between India and Japan.
“Deeply saddened by the demise of former PM of Japan, Shinzo Abe. His role in strengthening the strategic relationship between India & Japan was commendable. He leaves behind a lasting legacy in the Indo-Pacific. My condolences to his family and to the people of Japan,” Mr. Gandhi said on Twitter. - PTI
NATO chief ‘deeply saddened by heinous killing’ of Abe
NATO chief Jens Stoltenberg said he was “deeply saddened by the heinous killing” of former Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe. Mr. Stoltenberg tweeted that Abe was “a defender of democracy and my friend and colleague over many years”.
He expressed his “deepest condolences” to Abe’s family, current Prime Minister Fumio Kishida and to “the people of NATO’s partner Japan at this difficult time”. - AFP
Decoding ‘Abenomics’
Abe is perhaps best known for his plans to revive Japan’s flagging economy through unprecedented monetary easing and regulatory reform that was eventually labeled “Abenomics.”
India to observe a day of national mourning on July 9: PM Modi
Prime Minister Modi declared July 9 a day of mourning as a mark of respect for former Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe.
Prime Minister Modi expresses shock, recalls association with the Japanese statesman
Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed his shock at former Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe’s death, referring to him as a ‘towering global statesman, an outstanding leader, and a remarkable administrator’. Mr. Modi looked back on his association with the Japanese leader on Twitter, recalling his sharp insights on economy and global affairs.
Shinzo Abe, former Japan Prime Minister assassinated
Former Japan Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, the longest-serving leader, died on Friday after being shot while campaigning for a parliamentary election, public broadcaster NHK said.
A man opened fire on Abe, 67, from behind with an apparently homemade gun as he spoke at a drab traffic island in the western city of Nara, Japanese media showed earlier.
Click here to read more.
Former Japanese Prime Minister Abe has died, confirms NHK
Former Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe has died, public broadcaster NHK said on Friday.
Shinzo Abe, 67, had been delivering a stump speech near a train station in the western city of Nara when he was shot by an assailant. - Reuters
Macron says ‘profoundly shocked’ by attack on Abe
French President Emmanuel Macron said Friday he was “profoundly shocked by the despicable attack” on former Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe.
“Profoundly shocked by the despicable attack that Shinzo Abe has been victim of. Thoughts for the friends and family of a great Prime Minister. France stands with the Japanese people,” he wrote on Twitter. - AFP
Russia calls attack on Abe ‘monstrous’ and ‘act of terrorism’
Russia on Friday called the attack on Japan’s former Prime Minister Shinzo Abe “monstrous” and an “act of terrorism” after he was shot at a campaign event.
“We are convinced that those who planned and committed this monstrous crime will bear responsibility for this act of terrorism, which cannot be justified,” Russia’s foreign ministry said in a statement. - AFP
China voices shock, hopes for Abe’s quick recovery
China is shocked by the shooting of former Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, is ready to extend condolences to his family and hopes he will be out of danger and recover soon, a foreign ministry spokesperson told a daily briefing in Beijing on Friday. - Reuters
EAM S. Jaishankar expresses shock
External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar expressed shock over the attack on former Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe.
“Deeply shocked by the news about former Japanese PM Shinzo Abe. Join so many of his friends and admirers in India in praying for him and his family,” Jaishankar tweeted.
A timeline of the career of Shinzo Abe
While credited with bringing a degree of stability to Japan following a period of economic malaise, Shinzo Abe angered neighbours South Korea and China — along with many Japanese — with his nationalistic rhetoric and calls to revise the country’s pacifist constitution. - AP
Click ‘Read more’ for some key dates in Mr. Abe’s life and career.
Weapon used reportedly a homemade gun
Media reports are speculating that the weapon used by the assailant to shoot Shinzo Abe was a crude homemade double-barrelled one. Japan has some of the world’s strictest gun laws.
Analysis | Shinzo Abe, the Prime Minister who raised Japan’s profile, deepened ties with India
Narendra Modi and Shinzo Abe in Mount Fuji in 2018.
Deepening relations with India, both on the investment front and through stepped up security cooperation under the Quad, had been a priority for Shinzo Abe’s foreign policy, although some initiatives, such as the bullet train corridor, did not take off.
U.K.’s Boris Johnson calls the attack ‘appalling’
U.K. Prime Minister Boris Johnson shared on Twitter that he was “Utterly appalled and saddened to hear about the despicable attack on Shinzo Abe”.
Johnson resigned on Thursday as leader of Britain’s Conservative party, paving the way for the selection of a new Prime Minister after dozens of Ministers quit his government over 48 hours of frenzied political drama.
Abe was awarded Netaji Award 2022 in January
Former Japan Prime Minister Shinzo Abe was conferred with the Netaji Award 2022 by Netaji Research Bureau on January 23.
Consul General of Japan in Kolkata Nakamura Yutaka received the honour on behalf of Mr. Abe at a function at the Elgin Road residence of Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose on his 125th birth anniversary.
Praying that Abe will survive this: Japan PM Fumio Kishida
Mr. Kishida condemned the attack on Mr. Abe, saying: “I would like to use the strongest words to criticise, and this is what I wanted to convey at this moment.” He added that he was “Hoping and praying that Abe will survive this”.
Meanwhile, the Prime Minister has suspended his election campaign. He declined to describe the motive of the shooter, saying there was not enough information to share.
Barbaric: Japan PM Fumio Kishida
Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida. File | Photo Credit: AP
Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida is addressing the press. He calls it a “barbaric and malicious and it cannot be tolerated”.
“We will do everything we can... At this moment, doctors are working very hard to save Mr. Abe,” he said. - Reuters
Prime Minister Narendra Modi ‘deeply distressed’ by attack on Shinzo Abe
Prime Minister Narendra Modi extends thoughts and prayers to the family of former Japan Prime Minister Shinzo Abe and the people of Japan.
Japanese government bond yields rise after ex-PM Shinzo Abe shot
Japanese government bond (JGB) yields rose on Friday as Japan’s former Prime Minister Shinzo Abe was shot while campaigning in the city of Nara, with reports saying Mr. Abe appeared to be in a state of cardiac arrest when airlifted to hospital.
Mr. Abe, best known for his signature “Abenomics” policy that featured bold monetary easing and fiscal spending, appeared to have been shot from behind by a man with a shotgun.
“He is an icon for leading the yen’s weakness and introducing low interest rates,” said Hideki Shibata, senior rates and currencies strategist at Tokai Tokyo Research Institute.
“We still have to watch out the situation but (this incident) could spur expectations that Japan may adjust its loose monetary policy,”-Reuters
U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken expresses deep concern
U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken expressed on Friday deep concern over the condition of former Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, who was shot while campaigning in the city of Nara.
“Our thoughts, our prayers are with him, with his family, with the people of Japan,” Mr. Blinken said on the sidelines of a G20 meeting on the Indonesian island of Bali. “This is a very, very sad moment. And we’re awaiting news from Japan.”-Reuters
Jyotiraditya Scindia reacts
Union Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia tweeted: ‘Deeply disturbed to hear about the attack on Former PM of Japan, Mr. Shinzo Abe, who has been a true friend of India. My prayers are with his family, friends, supporters & the people of Japan”
Rahul Gandhi reacts
Congress leader Rahul Gandhi reacted to the shooting of Mr. Abe with a tweet, in which he wrote: “Shocked to hear the news of the attack on former PM of Japan, Shinzo Abe, who has been instrumental in deepening Indo-Japanese ties.”
Close-up video of attack goes viral
A close-up video of the attack on Shinzo Abe has gone viral on Twitter. The shaky video aired by a Japanese shows security personnel taking down the assailant and also shows a homemade weapon lying on the road
Australia PM Anthony Albanese tweets
Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese tweeted his reaction to the attack: “Shocking news from Japan that former PM Shinzo Abe has been shot - our thoughts are with his family and the people of Japan at this time”
Japanese stock market loses early gains
Japan’s Nikkei cut some of its early gains on Friday after Japan’s former Prime Minister Shinzo Abe was shot. By 0354 GMT, the Nikkei index had risen 0.5% to 26,631.72, after climbing as much as 1.4% earlier in the session.
“The impact (of this incident) on the stock market was limited as he is no longer a Prime Minister. Also his “Abenomics” economic stimulus has been taken over by the current administration,” said Shigetoshi Kamada, general manager at the research department at Tachibana Securities. - Reuters
Abe in ‘heart failure’
People watch TV news reporting Japan’s former Prime Minister Shinzo Abe was shot, in Tokyo | Photo Credit: AP
Japan’s NHK public television has reported that the former Prime Minister is in ‘heart failure’. It was not immediately clear how serious Abe’s injuries were or if he was still displaying vital signs.
The term heart failure means the heart cannot sufficiently pump blood and supply necessary oxygen to the rest of the body. In Japan, officials sometimes use the term to describe situations where victims are no longer alive but before a formal declaration of death has been made. - PTI
Shinzo Abe | Japan’s eternal Prime Minister
Mr. Abe, 65, was Japan’s youngest post-war Prime Minister when he came to office in 2006. The grandson of a former PM Nobusuke Kishi, and the son of a former Foreign Minister Shintaro Abe, he was destined for politics.
Mr. Abe’s biggest legacy may have been on the foreign policy front.
Hiroyuki Akita, a commentator at Nikkei in Tokyo, says Mr. Abe more than his predecessors pushed the idea of an “Indo-Pacific” region governed by rules and international norms, and “established a base for regional security cooperation by the U.S. and Japan, India, Australia.” Mr. Abe particularly backed closer ties with India, the one relationship that had broadly escaped the ups-and-downs that marked Japan’s other close ties, including with the U.S.
Video shows people running towards fallen Abe
A video on Twitter shows bystanders and security personnel rushing towards Shinzo Abe after he collapsed on the street
Shinzo Abe shot, one suspect arrested
Former Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, 67, was in Nara campaigning ahead of Sunday’s election for the parliament’s upper house and was giving a speech when people heard a gunshot. Police arrested a male suspect at the scene on suspicion of attempted murder, NHK said.
