Political violence in Japan is exceptional. The background of the death job is still unclear.
The echo of the shots that interrupted the speech at the election conference is long. of Japan’s former prime minister Shinzo Abe the murder shocked the nation and the world.
The murder of the country’s long-time leader shocks Japanese people also because crimes committed with firearms are very rare in the country. The laws regarding the possession of weapons are among the strictest in the world. Even after gun club recommendations and police checks, the range of types of guns available to the private citizen is limited.
Thus, less than ten people are killed each year in crimes committed with firearms, and attacks against politicians are extremely rare.
The shooter used a double-barreled gun that Japanese police say was self-assembled.
Shinzo Abe made an impact in the world’s inner circle
Shinzo Abe was Japan’s longest-serving prime minister. He held office for the second time in 2012-2020, and the first time already in 2006.
Abe, who represented the ruling liberal democratic party LDP, was known as a conservative who handled the country’s economy with decisive measures.
Internationally, Abe was seen as a hawk who emphasized strengthening Japan’s defense capabilities as China increased its military influence in the region.
Abe sought to lift restrictions imposed on Japan after its defeat in World War II. This brought Japan into conflict with both China and South Korea – countries that have not forgotten Japan’s wartime occupation.
The goal is to restore Japan’s strike capability
Despite his efforts, Shinzo Abe failed to implement a constitutional amendment that would have increased Japan’s readiness to participate in military operations.
The US relationship is important – and sometimes difficult
Abe strengthened Japan’s relationship with the United States with connections to India and Australia, considering the informal alliance of these four countries as a counterweight to China’s power. Still, especially in economic relations, the United States and Japan were also on a collision course. According to the news agency Reuters (you will switch to another service)president Donald Trump pressured Prime Minister Abe to move Japan’s car production to the United States.
But in 2020, dissatisfaction caused by the handling of the corona pandemic and scandals that rocked the administration forced Abe to step down as prime minister. However, Abe justified his resignation with health concerns, which had overshadowed his career already in his first term as prime minister. So the Tokyo Olympics, which were moved a year, already had a new host.
International reactions shocked
After resigning as prime minister, Shinzo Abe remained an active factor in Japanese politics. He is also remembered internationally, and heads of state quickly sent messages of sympathy and dismay after the incident.
US President Joe Biden characterized Abe’s murder as shocking and described him as a leader with a strong vision.
Shinzo Abe also visited Finland in 2017. President of the Republic Sauli Niinistö compared the challenges of Finnish and Japanese society at that time.
– An aging population, slow economic growth and a changed international security environment are such. But on the other hand, we share the same strong value base, reminded Niinistö.
President Niinistö now expressed his shock after hearing that Japan’s former prime minister had been the target of violence. He publicly expressed his support for Abe’s family and loved ones, as well as the Japanese people.
Also the Prime Minister Sanna Marin (sd.) called what happened in his Twitter message shocking and sad.