The course Abe Shinzo set—in domestic matters, but especially in foreign and security policy—remains Japan’s default
Save time by listening to our audio articles as you multitaskThe killing shocked Japan. Gun violence is exceedingly rare: the country saw just one gun death in all of 2021. Political violence, too, has been virtually unheard of in recent years. Mr Abe had already earned theof being Japan’s longest-serving premier, over two stints in office from 2006 to 2007 and from 2012 to 2020. The assassination made him the only Japanese head of government to be killed during the post-war era.
, where he sought to counter China’s rise by strengthening Japan’s own defences, reinforcing its alliance with America and building ties with other regional powers.’s largest faction in parliament Mr Abe exerted more than enough influence to push Kishida Fumio, the current prime minister, farther along that path.
The likeliest scenario, however, is that Mr Kishida sticks to Mr Abe’s direction, but moves at a slower pace. When it comes to Japan’s strategic choices, “stay the course” is the “only option the Kishida administration can have, and they are well aware of this”, argues Funabashi Yoichi of the Asia-Pacific Initiative, a think-tank in Tokyo. In addition, the “centre of gravity of public opinion has shifted” towards support for a stronger, more muscular Japan, says Richard Samuels of.
Canada Latest News, Canada Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Why Shinzo Abe Will Continue to Lead Japan Even After His DeathShinzo Abe built a durable policy legacy that not only survived his government but could also survive the man himself, writes Tobias Harris.
Read more »
Japan PM Blames Police for Death of Former Leader Shinzo AbeJapanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida on Thursday blamed inadequate police security for Abe's death
Read more »
Abe Shinzo left his mark on Asia and the world, not just JapanThe concept of the “free and open Indo-Pacific” is part of his enormous geopolitical legacy
Read more »
Japan should stay true to Abe Shinzo’s vision—up to a pointKishida Fumio, Japan’s current prime minister, is likely to carry on down the path Abe Shinzo charted—but more cautiously
Read more »
Japan PM blames police for assassination of former leader Shinzo AbeThe Japanese prime minister has blamed inadequate police security for the assassination of former leader Shinzo Abe, who was shot while giving a speech
Read more »
Why Shinzo Abe Will Continue to Lead Japan Even After His DeathShinzo Abe built a durable policy legacy that not only survived his government but could also survive the man himself, writes Tobias Harris.
Read more »