Here’s the moment Shinzo Abe, former Japanese prime Minister, was gunned down. It is shocking to see how security guards failed to notice that Shinzo was being attacked and tried their best not block shots with their briefcases.
While Abe gave his political stump speech in Nara, at 11.30am, cameras were trained to capture the instant the shot was fired. Although the camera missed Abe but captured a loud bang as well as smoke clouds and smoke.
Although it feels like an eternity, in fact, Abe is still on the podium for a mere few seconds. His bewildered security guards, who all looked at him while he spoke, turn their attention to see what’s happening and then realize what was going on.
They panic and try to get between Abe, Tetsuya Yamagami (41-year-old gunman), with one throwing his briefcase to make it seem like he is trying to stop the inevitable.
Abe also turns and could have caught the attacker’s attention for a few seconds before the second fatal shot was fired. Abe’s shirtfront rippled as the bullets ripped into his chest and neck. They buried themselves deep in Abe’s heart.
However, he does not instantly become unconscious. He stumbles off the stump, then falls to his knees. Then he slumps down. He was not immediately knocked unconscious. Guards ran towards him, but later photos show that they attempted to revive the man by giving chest compressions. After massive blood loss, he died in hospital several hours later.
Yamagami was brought to the ground by police and taken into custody. He claimed that he had confessed, telling officers that he wanted Abe to die because he belonged to a specific organisation that he didn’t like.
Police say Yamagami had amassed an arsenal of home-made weapons similar to the one used in the attack at his home, along with a number of explosives which have been taken to be destroyed.
It is not clear exactly how he learned to make the weapons, but he is a veteran of the country’s defence forces, having served in the navy between 2002 and 2005.
Yamagami, who is unemployed at present, had traveled to Nara via train and waited in line at the station to hear Mr Abe’s speech. The police have not yet revealed how long the victim waited.
Yamagami is seen in this chilling photo taken just seconds before Abe was shot. Yamagami can be seen wearing a simple green T-shirt and cargo pants while he waits behind him.
The moment Shinzo Abe, a former Japanese Prime Minister and 67 years old, was gunned down by an unknown man with a homemade shotgun. He fired two shots at the politician.
The footage shows Abe looking at his attacker as the first shot misses, while the second hits Abe. Security tried to stop the bullets by blocking the shots with their briefcases (right).
The image shows former Japanese prime minister Shinzo Abe taking to the stage with microphone in hand to make a speech while in the background, in a faded green t-shirt, green fatigues and a mask concealing his bespectacled face lurks gunman Tetsuya Yamagami, 41, who would shoot and kill Mr Abe moments later
Shinzo Abe, Japan’s former prime minister, has died after being shot in the neck and heart while giving a campaign speech in the city of Nara on Friday
Killer Tetsuya Tamamii was using a shotgun that he had made at home. It is visible to the right as the first security agent approaches him and attempts to disarm the gun.
Abe (67) was just about to support his local candidate for party nomination when Abe was approached from behind by a gunman who fired two bullets that lacerated Abe’s neck and heart.
His two terms in office from 2006-2007, and again between 2012 and his death in poor health in 2013, made him a formidable figure in Japanese politics. He was in Nara for Sunday’s vote to support the local candidate and remained a powerful figure within the Liberal Democratic Party.
Fumio Kishida (current Prime Minister) called the shooting an attack upon ‘the foundationof democracy’. He added, “I would love to use the strongest words to condemn this act.”
Shortly before shooting, Abe arrives on the scene greeting everyone. Yamagami then steps out of the banner.
As he begins to speak, he walks alongside the politician before grabbing the gun from his pocket and firing the first shot. Abe, who appears to have missed the shot, turns around to see it before firing the second fatal shot.
Abe’s legacy is perhaps the most important of Japan’s post-war leaders. A hawkish conservative, Abe was an economist reformer and a leader who pulled Japan out of decades-long stagnant growth.
Born into a political dynasty, Abe’s His great-uncle and grandfather were both prime ministers before him, so he was well prepared for the top.
At 52, he was the first to be elected premier. He later resigned abruptly after a year of suffering from ulcerative colitis.
After regaining the primeship in 2012, he held that position for the following eight years. This made him Japan’s longest-serving prime Minister. In 2020, his condition in the bowels arose again and he was forced out of office.
Abe is best-known for his ‘Abenomics’ agenda to revive Japan’s sluggish economy via a programme of vast government spending, massive monetary easing, and cutting red tape.
However, he also worked to reform Japan’s pacifist postwar constitution. He wanted to make Japan a fully functioning military and forged closer ties to western allies, particularly the US.
As news broke of Abe’s death, the UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson paid tribute to Abe. He said: “His leadership in unchartered times and globalization will always be remembered.”
“My thoughts are with his loved ones, friends and all the Japanese people. In this difficult and tragic time, the UK is there for you.
It happened just before noon in Nara, western Japan. Abe was giving a speech about the state of democracy. There were security personnel present to protect him but people could approach him.
NHK broadcast footage of him standing at the stage as a gray shirt-and-brown trousers wearing man approached from behind. He then pulled something out of a bag before firing.
Two shots are visible, one producing smoke.
While reporters and spectators ducked, the security personnel showed a man being thrown to the ground. Reports said that he was arrested later on suspicion of attempted Murder.
According to local media, Tetsuya Yamagami was identified as the 41-year-old man.
The weapon he was holding was described as a handmade gun’ by the local media. NHK stated that after his arrest, he said to police that he “targeted Abe in an attempt to kill him”.
Witnesses described shock and chaos as the result of the political events.
NHK was told by a woman that the first shot “sounded like an toy bazooka.”
“He did not fall, and there was an enormous bang. She added that the second photo was better visible because you could clearly see sparks and smoke.
“After the second round, people came around him to give him a heart massage.
Witnesses and photos showed that Abe had bleeding around the neck. He initially responded but lost consciousness.
Local officials from Abe’s Liberal Democratic Party claimed that there were no threats and his speech was public.
Kishida stated that ‘no decision was made’ on the election. However, several parties declared their senior members would cease campaigning following the attack.
International shock was triggered by the attack.
Abe, who held office from 2006-2007 and 2012-2020 was speaking on behalf of the Liberal Democratic Party of Nara in advance of the forthcoming parliamentary elections.
Abe’s death was announced by the party six hours after the shooting, and shortly after wife Akie (pictured) arrived at the hospital where he was being treated
As the attack took place, footage shows Mr Abe’s gunman (left) walking behind him before he takes his own shotgun from his bag. He then walks towards Mr Abe.
One shot was fired by the man, but it appears to miss Mr Abe (left), who stands and looks at his assassin before firing the second fatal shot.
Witnesses claim that Yamagami approached Abe behind him and fired two shots. The former Prime Minister then collapsed following the second shot.
Tetsuya Yogami (41), a veteran in Japan’s armed force, was questioned by security and taken into custody on suspicion that she attempted to murder.
The suspect is being questioned by police for allegedly shooting former Prime Minister Shinzo abe
Tetsuya Nagami, 41-year-old military veteran was questioned by Abe’s security team and taken into custody by the police for attempted murder. He confessed to wanting to kill Abe, according police.
Abe was shot with a homemade, double-barrelled shotgun. It was made from two pipes attached to one piece of wood board.
At the G20 meeting in Bali Antony Blinken, US Secretary of State, stated that it was “a very, very sad time.”
Prayut Chau-O-Cha of Thailand was “very shocked” by Abe’s shooting. Narendra Modi, the Indian Prime Minister, said that he was “deeply disturbed” by this news.
Japan’s longest serving prime minister Abe held office from 2006 to 2012 for one year, and then again between 2012 and 2020 when he had to resign due to ulcerative colitis, a debilitating intestinal condition.
A hawkish conservative, he pushed to revise Japan’s pacifist Constitution to recognize the country’s military. He remained a prominent figure in politics even after his departure.
Japan is home to some of the most strict gun control laws in the world. Japan’s 125 million inhabitants are frequently killed by firearms every year.
Japanese citizens have to go through a complicated and lengthy process in order to be issued a gun license.
Japan hasn’t seen anything similar for over 60 to 50 years,” Corey Wallace, an assistant professor from Kanagawa University whose research focuses on Japanese politics told AFP.
He stated that the previous similar incident was probably the assassination in 1960 of Inejiro Asuma, leader of Japan Socialist Party. This was done by a right-wing youngster.
“But just two days before the election, of (a) man so prominent… it is really profoundly tragic and shocking.
He also noted that Japanese voters and politicians are used to campaigning in a close-knit style.
Japan’s longest serving prime minister Abe held office from 2006 to 2012 for one year, and then again between 2012 and 2020 when he had to resign due to ulcerative colitis, a debilitating intestinal condition.
In 2020, he resigned as Prime Minister because of a health issue.
Abe, who has suffered from ulcerative colitis since his teens, has stated that the condition is now under control.
Shinzo Abe, former Prime Minister of Japan is being carried on a stretcher into a helicopter following his shooting at Yamatosaidaiji Station
Officers from police collect evidence from Abe’s shooting scene as he gives a speech for the campaign.
Interview with journalists by Shinzo Abe doctors in the hospital that Shinzo was treated after being shot. He was said to be ‘bleeding profusely” from injuries to his neck, heart, and liver and couldn’t be saved.
Fumio Kishida is the Japanese Prime Minister at the moment. He holds back his emotion while giving updates on Abe’s state.
Reporters at that time heard him say it was “gut wrenching” to not have achieved many of his goals. He spoke of his failure to resolve the issue of Japanese abducted years ago by North Korea, a territorial dispute with Russia and a revision of Japan´s war-renouncing constitution.
He was so divisive because of this last goal.
His extreme nationalism angered China and Koreas, while his efforts to normalize Japan’s defense position upset many Japanese. Poor public support prevented Abe from achieving his beloved goal of officially rewriting America’s pacifist constitution.
Supporters of Abe said that his legacy was a stronger U.S.-Japan relationship that was meant to bolster Japan´s defense capability. However, Abe also made enemies by forcing his defense goals through parliament and other contentious topics, in spite of strong public opposition.
Abe, a politician of blue blood, was raised to follow the example of his grandfather Nobusuke Kishi. He often spoke out in favor of Japan being a normal and beautiful nation, with stronger military capabilities and greater involvement in international affairs.
U.S. U.S. Ambassador Rahm Emanuel expressed shock and sadness at the incident. ‘Abesan was an unwavering ally to the U.S. and an exceptional leader in Japan,’ he said. The U.S. Government and American people are praying for the well-being of Abe-san, his family, & people of Japan,’ he said on Twitter.
The scene of the gunshots at Nara in western Japan on Friday July 8th 2022 is captured from an aerial photograph. Shinzo Abe is the former prime minister of Japan and was shot.
Earlier in the day, Abe was in good spirits as he interacted with supporters before his speech ahead of the House of Councillors election on July 10
Shinzo Abe – the Japanese PM who was born to live on the election trail… and would lose his life there: How former leader became his country’s most famous politician and longest-serving premier
Shinzo Abe was born to politics. As a child, his grandfather led Japan’s Prime Ministership and his father as a foreign secretary.
Abe (67) was Japan’s longest-serving Prime Minister and most well-known politician. His tenure included headline-grabbing moments such as his turn as Super Mario or his 19-second handshake affair with President Donald Trump.
Abe, who was being delivered a campaign speech Friday when he was gunned down, played a pivotal role in placing Japan on the global stage.
Although the former Prime Minister did not speak much about his plans for legacy, a significant moment of pride was Barak Obama’s visit to Hiroshima as the US’s first sitting president in 2016.
He was a conservative nationalist and was well-known for being close to Donald Trump and his ability guide and influence the unpredictable U.S. president.
US President Donald Trump meets Shinzo Abe, the Japanese Prime Minister, as he arrives at Trump’s Mar-a-Lago resort, Palm Beach, Florida on April 17, 2018.
Abe and his wife Akie met Queen Elizabeth II during a private audience at Buckingham Palace on May 4, 2016 in London
After a bilateral meeting on February 22nd 2013, in Washington DC, US President Barack Obama and Shinzo Abe shake hands in the Oval Office.
German Chancellor Angela Merkel and US President Donald Trump discuss the agenda of the G7 summit’s second day in Charlevoix on June 9, 2018, Canada. Abe is looking on.
Japan’s longest-serving prime minister, Abe was elected in November 2019. However, Abe had to be removed in 2020 after being diagnosed with ulcerative colitis.
Abe is also remembered for his “Abenomics” economic policy, which helped the country get out of decades-long deflation. He was also well known for supporting a strong Japanese army and taking a tough line against North Korea.
Abe was the leader of G7 nations and hosted the meeting of world leaders in 2016. He was regarded as a skilled, wily politician.
Born into a politically-influential family, Abe was first elected prime minister in 2006, and served for a year. Abe was reelected in December 2012. He dominated Japan’s political scene until his death almost two years ago from ulcerative colitis. His condition was worsening, prompting his resignation.
He remained highly influential. Analysts have called him a political Kingmaker.
Abe campaigned on Friday in advance of the elections to his upper house which were scheduled for Sunday.
Fumio Kishida (Prime Minister) is hoping to have a better grip on Abe’s Liberal Democratic Party and be able to break away from Abe and establish his premiership.
Abe built a strong personal relationship with Donald Trump during his tenure in office. This was a key element to Japan’s protection.
After the 2016 election in the United States, he flew to New York City to talk with Trump. He was the first foreign leader ever to visit Trump’s Manhattan skyscraper.
Trump and the Japanese new emperor met Trump regularly while they golfed.
Nobusuke, Abe’s maternal grandfather and founder of the Liberal Democratic Party (in 1955), was also the first Prime Minister for Japan. He served from 1957 to 1960. Pictured: Nobusuke Kishi (Prime Minister) walks with Shinzo Abe (3rd L), Shintaro, his son-in law and lawyer (1st left), his wife Yoko (2nd Right) and their son Hironobu (7/7/57 in Hakone Kanagawa Japan).
Nobusuke Kishi, Japan’s Prime Minster and Ryoko his wife in a Japanese kimono (on the laps of their grandfather) during the 1960s
However, there were many embarrassing moments.
A 2017 video of Trump nearly wrestling with Abe went viral. The handshake lasted just 19 seconds. Trump was seen grimacing, and Abe appeared relieved that the confrontation had ended.
Then there was the 2018 game of golf, in which Abe fell backwards into an underground bunker while Trump walked down the fairway seeming oblivious.
In 2016, Abe was in the news when he chose to make headlines by becoming Super Mario, a videogame icon and his dedication to the Olympics.
At the Rio Games, he donned the mask to appear to be tunneling through the Earth from Japan to Brazil using some digital tricks, and then popped up fully dressed.
Reporters were told by him that he wanted to convey Japan’s soft strength to the rest of the world through Japanese characters.
Abe did not say anything about the future, except to mention his pride in bringing Barack Obama, then President of the USA, to Hiroshima.
Obama, the US President, was the first to visit the site. There, he paid tribute the the victims of the first nuclear attack in the history of humanity, while not offering any apology.
Later in the year, they made an emotional joint pilgrimage to Pearl Harbor. It was their first ever visit to that memorial by a Japanese leader.
Abe is pictured here handing the ‘yokozuna’, or grand champion, Hakuho (left) the prime minister’s cup after he finished with a 15-0 victory to win the summer Grand Sumo tournament in Tokyo on May 22, 2016
Abe was the talk of town in 2016 when he chose to demonstrate his support for the Olympics by appearing on Super Mario, a videogame icon.
Abe’s term was not without its failures. He visited Yasukuni in 2013, a shrine dedicated to the veneration of Japan’s war deceased, and some of those who were convicted of war crimes by an American tribunal.
Many in the area regard this shrine as an emblem of Japan’s militarism, during which large parts of East Asia and Southeast Asia were under brutal occupations for years.
Abe’s surprise visit provoked outrage from China as well as South Korea. The US even responded with a rebuke.
Although he claimed that the trip wasn’t intended to inflame tensions, he decided not to return and sent only ritual offerings over the years.
Abe seemed to be destined right from the beginning to get into politics.
His family was a politically-influential clan based in the Yamaguchi Prefecture, to the far south of the country.
Shintaro Abe was Abe’s father and served as Japan’s Foreign Minister from 1982 to 1982. His other roles included minister of trade and agriculture as well as Cabinet secretary. He was an attractive candidate for the post of prime minister.
Shintaro’s father Kan Abe served as a member of the House of Representatives between 1937 and 1946.
Nobusuke Kishi, Abe’s maternal grandfather founded the Liberal Democratic Party in 2005 and was Prime Minister of Japan for five years.
Abe, the younger, studied in Japan and California politics before returning home to briefly work in the steel industry.
His first assignment as an assistant to the Foreign Minister was followed by his second stint as the private secretary of the Liberal Democratic Party’s General Council and Secretary-General.
Abe was nine years old when his father died in 1991. He decided to run and won the election to Yamaguchi Prefecture’s First District in 1993.
As the chief negotiator for Japan’s abducted Japanese citizens, he traveled with Kim Jong-il in 2002.
Abe is shown with Russian President Vladimir Putin during the G20 Summit in Hamburg (Germany) on 7 July 2017. (left) Abe also appears with Joseph Biden, the former Vice President, and John Boehner the House Speaker, while he stands to receive a standing ovation as he speaks at a joint session in the United States Congress, April 29, 2015, Washington DC. (right)
Abe shakes hands with China’s President Xi Jinping in Beijing on November 10, 2014
George W. Bush, Laura Bush (l), and Shinzo Abe (r), the Japanese Prime Minister of Japan at Blair House on Pennsylvania Avenue in Washington DC on 26/04 2007.
His election as president of the Liberal Democratic Party was in April 2006. He was 52 years old when he became the first prime minister. This is the youngest person to hold the position since 1940s.
Abe wanted to balance the budget and then he set out to implement a hardline, nationalist agenda with renewed focus on the military, which was a sensitive topic after the Second World War.
Abe, while critical of North Korea on an international level, worked with India and China to improve relations.
However, Abe was dissatisfied with his government and resigned from the post after just one year.
At the time, he stated that his ulcerative colitis played a role in his decision.
He was back in 2012, partly thanks to a new medication, and ran again for prime minister in December 2012.
Abe made a speech in Washington DC on February 13, 2013 declaring that Japan was back and that he would not allow Japan to become a Tier Two Nation.
It is best known for Abenomics (a combination of aggressive fiscal and monetary policies with structural reforms) which he launched in 2013 to rescue Japan from decades of deflation.
Abe described the policy as having three arrows. They were monetary and fiscal policies, along with structural reform for growth.
He strongly opposed domestically what he considered an exaggerated focus on Japan’s wartime crime.
He was well-known internationally, having visited all 10 ASEAN countries in his first year of office.
Akie Matsuzaki was a socialite who married Abe in 1987. She is a former radio DJ.
They have never had children.