We need your help now

Support from readers like you keeps The Journal open.

You are visiting us because we have something you value. Independent, unbiased news that tells the truth. Advertising revenue goes some way to support our mission, but this year it has not been enough.

If you've seen value in our reporting, please contribute what you can, so we can continue to produce accurate and meaningful journalism. For everyone who needs it.

People offer prayers for Shinzo Abe at Zojoji temple in Tokyo (Shuji Kajiyama/AP) PA

Japanese politicians and public mark first anniversary of Shinzo Abe assassination

Prime Minister Fumio Kishida pledged to tackle pressing political goals as a way of honouring Abe’s wishes.

POLITICIANS IN JAPAN have marked one year since the assassination of Japan’s former leader Shinzo Abe, with Prime Minister Fumio Kishida pledging to tackle pressing political goals as a way of honouring Abe’s wishes.

At a Buddhist temple in Tokyo, Japan, Kishida, members of the governing Liberal Democratic Party, representatives from opposition parties and business leaders, attended a closed memorial service hosted by Abe’s widow, Akie Abe and family.

Tables were set up at the temple for flower laying by the public later today.

Kishida said he has tackled policies that could not be delayed “as a way of honouring Abe’s last wishes”.

He added: “I will keep working at it to fulfil my responsibilities.”

Amid a national outcry over botched security, police have tightened their protective measures following a subsequent investigation that found holes in how Abe was guarded.

In Nara, near the site of Abe’s assassination, dozens of people lined up from early this morning to lay flowers.

The suspect, Tetsuya Yamagami, was arrested at the scene and has been charged with murder and several other crimes, including violating the gun control law. A starting date for his murder trial has yet to be set.

Yamagami has told investigators that he killed Abe, one of Japan’s most influential and divisive politicians, because of the former prime minister’s apparent links to a religious group that he hated.

river The man charged with the assassination of Abe, Tetsuya Yamagami. PA PA

In statements and in social media postings attributed to him, Yamagami said he developed a grudge because his mother had made massive donations to the Unification Church that bankrupted his family and ruined his life.

The investigation into the case has led to revelations of years of cosy ties between Abe’s governing Liberal Democratic Party and the church since Abe’s grandfather, former prime minister Nobusuke Kishi, helped the church take root in Japan in the 1960s over shared interests in conservative and anti-communist causes.

Kishida’s popularity has plunged over his handling of the church controversy and for his insistence on holding a rare, controversial state funeral for Abe in September last year.

Abe, Japan’s longest-serving prime minister, bolstered Japan’s military role and promoted the “free and open” Indo-Pacific vision inherited by Kishida. Abe maintained influence even after stepped down as prime minister in 2020.

Close
Comments
This is YOUR comments community. Stay civil, stay constructive, stay on topic. Please familiarise yourself with our comments policy here before taking part.
Leave a Comment
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute ⚡ Seánie ⚡
    Favourite ⚡ Seánie ⚡
    Report
    Jan 6th 2017, 7:49 AM

    Thank you for entering our Countdown to Christmas competition??

    17
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Teresa O'Meara
    Favourite Teresa O'Meara
    Report
    Jan 6th 2017, 6:06 AM

    Wouldnt wim an arguement

    17
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute B9xiRspG
    Favourite B9xiRspG
    Report
    Jan 6th 2017, 10:23 AM

    @Teresa O’Meara: your a woman of course you would! :)

    30
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Alois Irlmaier
    Favourite Alois Irlmaier
    Report
    Jan 7th 2017, 12:11 AM

    3. The Late Late Show lol.

    3
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Eilís Ní Laighléis
    Favourite Eilís Ní Laighléis
    Report
    Jan 7th 2017, 2:46 AM

    Form processing halted due to suspicious activity!!!! Bah!!!

    2
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Little Diddy No
    Favourite Little Diddy No
    Report
    Jan 8th 2017, 11:51 AM

    You won’t be bragging to Steve in Accounts that you’re going to the hotel at the weekend as the prize is only valid for mid-week!

    1
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Sandra Gough
    Favourite Sandra Gough
    Report
    Jan 11th 2017, 10:05 PM

    Wow! Would Love This So Much.

    1
Submit a report
Please help us understand how this comment violates our community guidelines.
Thank you for the feedback
Your feedback has been sent to our team for review.

Leave a commentcancel