Historical Figure
Shinzō Abe
b. 1954
Prime Minister of Japan (2006–2007; 2012–2020)
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Biography
Shinzo Abe was a Japanese statesman and politician who served as Prime Minister of Japan and President of the Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) from 2006 to 2007 and again from 2012 to 2020. He was the longest-serving prime minister in Japanese history, serving for nearly nine years.
In Their Own Words (3)
The kind of society that Japan should aim at is a society in which the efforts of people are rewarded, a society in which there is no stratification into winners and losers, and a society in which ways of working, learning, and living are diverse and multi-tracked — in other words, a society of opportunity where everyone has a chance to challenge again. If there are people who sense they are facing inequality, it is the role of politics to shed light on them.
2006
I have just been appointed to the office of Prime Minister. As the first Japanese Prime Minister born in the postwar years, and at a time when Japan has come through a severe period and stands at the start of its development in the new century, I am bracing myself to shoulder the heavy responsibilities of directing the national government. I accept the expectations of the many people of Japan squarely and seriously, and I will stake my life on carrying out my duties.
2006
In conducting the affairs of State, I will first clarify my own political stance to the people of Japan and to the members of the Diet. I have no intention of conducting governance for the benefit of specific organizations or individuals; instead I will conduct governance on behalf of the entire people - the ordinary people who live by the sweat of their brows, love their families, wish to improve their own communities and hometowns, and who want to believe in the future of Japan. I promise to make a total commitment to governance that allows everyone to take part, that opens up a new era, and that is aimed at building a society open to everyone and giving each individual a chance to take on challenges.
2006
Timeline
The story of Shinzō Abe, told in moments.
Became Japan's youngest postwar prime minister at 52. Resigned after just a year due to political scandals and ulcerative colitis. Most assumed his career was over.
Staged a comeback, winning a landslide election and launching "Abenomics," an economic program of monetary easing, fiscal stimulus, and structural reform. Became the longest-serving prime minister in Japanese history.
Resigned after nearly eight consecutive years in office, citing a return of his chronic illness. Had reshaped Japan's defense posture, pushed the Trans-Pacific Partnership forward after the U.S. withdrew, and maintained a complex alliance with Washington.
Shot and killed while giving a campaign speech in Nara. His assassin used a homemade gun. The killer's stated motive involved grievances against the Unification Church, which had ties to Abe's political network.
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