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Shinzo Abe

Shinzo Abe was the prime minister of Japan from 2006 to 2007 and from 2012 to 2020. He was the longest-serving prime minister in Japanese history and was a member of the Liberal Democratic Party. He was fatally shot by a gunman while delivering a speech on behalf of another politician in the city of Nara on July 8, 2022. The gunman was identified as a 41-year-old local man who was a veteran of the Japan Maritime Self-Defence Force and said he was frustrated with Abe.

Born

21 Sep 1954

Industry

Politics

Job Title

Former Prime Minister of Japan

Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi has remained defiant after her November remarks on Taiwan sparked a diplomatic row with Beijing. Photo: Kyodo

China-Japan relations

Japanese business leaders shelve annual China trip as tensions mount

Poor prospects for ‘substantial results’ prompts delegation of about 200 people to put visit on hold.

1 Jan 2026 - 7:51PMvideocam

South Korea

South Korean politicians agree to Unification Church special probe in rare move

23 Dec 2025 - 9:30AM

Shinzo Abe

Japanese business leaders shelve annual China trip as tensions mount

Poor prospects for ‘substantial results’ prompts delegation of about 200 people to put visit on hold.

South Korean politicians agree to Unification Church special probe in rare move

Security or freedom? Japan’s proposed anti-spy laws raise human rights concerns

.css-1m2rp1p{color:#34b8b5;}Opinion | Only true repentance from Japan can resolve East Asia’s ‘memory wars’

It is important that Japan, China and South Korea collectively reckon with the legacy of military aggression and wartime atrocities.

‘Want people to face this issue’: Oscar-nominated #MeToo film finally in Japan

After sensitive footage was cut, Shiori Ito’s ‘Black Box Diaries’ finally debuts in Japan, exposing sexual violence and pushing for #MeToo justice.

South Korea’s threat to dissolve corrupt religious groups risks blowback

President Lee’s move comes as a widening Unification Church bribery scandal implicates lawmakers from both major parties.

Unification Church leader denies knowing about gifts for Kim Keon-hee

South Korean prosecutors reject the claim, saying Han Hak-ja is an ‘absolute power holder’ and no funds can be used without her approval.

Why Japan’s drift to the right means a ‘long-term struggle’ for China

Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi says that ‘China will never allow Japanese right-wing forces to turn back the clock of history’.

My Take | Takaichi’s stance over Taiwan is just what the West wants

Japan can protect its security and national interest by peaceful means rather than going down a belligerent path.

Yasukuni litmus test looms for Japan’s new PM Takaichi

As pressure mounts on Takaichi to visit Yasukuni as leader, analysts warn such a move could embolden the far-right and strain regional ties.

Warning or routine? Timing of Russian jet fly-past into Japan raises questions

Sanae Takaichi is unlikely to push to improve ties with Moscow, virtually frozen under previous prime ministers, experts say.

What a Philippines logistics deal reveals about Japan’s Asean strategy

Analysts view the Acquisition and Cross-Servicing Agreement as an emphatic continuation of Shinzo Abe’s ‘Free and Open Indo-Pacific’ vision.

‘Stop the fawning’: Japan’s PM divides opinion with flattery, wooing of Trump

From golden golf balls to a Nobel Peace Prize nomination, Sanae Takaichi’s attempts to stroke the US president’s ego polarised opinion.

‘Everything is true’: Japanese gunman admits to killing Shinzo Abe

Prosecutors say Tetsuya Yamagami wanted to draw attention to the Unification Church by killing the influential former prime minister.

Japan’s PM slammed for ‘currying favour’ with Trump over Nobel Peace Prize plan

Sanae Takaichi’s intention to recommend Trump for the accolade has even drawn criticisms within her Liberal Democratic Party.

Trump, Takaichi heap praise on each other as ties enter ‘new golden age’

Trump calls Takaichi ‘one of the greatest prime ministers’ as she moves to nominate the US president for a Nobel Peace Prize.

Japan deploys 18,000 police officers for Trump amid ‘lone wolf’ attack fears

The high-profile security cordon is appropriate given Trump has been the target of assassination attempts back home, analysts say.

Still on a roll at 100, this Japanese sushi legend aims to live to 114

Jiro Ono, owner of three-Michelin-starred Sukiyabashi Jiro, says work is the secret to his longevity.

Japan PM Takaichi faces high-stakes meeting with Trump over defence, trade

While the prime minister has vowed to bring forward a defence spending goal, she faces a risk of Trump asking for more, analysts say.

Shinzo Abe shooter expected to plead guilty, trial begins next week

Tetsuya Yamagami, 45, underwent extensive psychiatric examination that found him mentally fit to be held criminally responsible for the killing.

Why Japan’s first female PM is winning hearts – even with scandal-hit cabinet

Early polls show strong approval ratings for Sanae Takaichi, despite cabinet picks linked to one of the country’s biggest political scandals.

Japan’s new PM talks up ties with South Korea but her past casts a long shadow

South Koreans are optimistic about Sanae Takaichi for now. Only time will tell whether the goodwill lasts, however.

Editorial | Japan’s new PM must respect China’s red lines if ties are to improve

Sanae Takaichi should show she shares her predecessor’s understanding of the importance of China to Japan’s economy.

‘Stealth husband’: Japan PM Takaichi’s spouse shuns the spotlight

Taku Yamamoto revealed his ‘stealth’ role, rekindled marriage, and health struggles, explaining that in Japan, partners must avoid the spotlight.

Takaichi becomes Japan’s first female PM, ending political crisis

The LDP chief, who heads a fragile coalition, faces multiple challenges including tackling inflation and holding talks with Trump.

‘Weirdest alliance’: Japan’s new ruling coalition tipped for collapse

The Innovation Party’s backing looks set to make Sanae Takaichi Japan’s first female PM, but analysts don’t expect their alliance to last.

Macroscope | Japan’s political turmoil will weigh heavily on its economy, and beyond

More than just who heads the government, the fate of Japan’s leadership race has implications for markets, regional economies and geopolitics.

China hails ex-Japanese PM Murayama who stated ‘deep remorse’ over WWII

Beijing offers condolences on passing of ‘China’s old friend’ who gave landmark apology for Japan’s wartime aggression.

Opinion | Only true repentance from Japan can resolve East Asia’s ‘memory wars’