Former Japanese Prime Minister and President of the Liberal Democratic Party, Shinzo Abe was shot and injured in an event today.
Shinzo was the longest-serving Prime Minister in the history of Japan since he took office from 2006 to 2007 and again from 2012 to 2020.
In addition, he also worked as the Chief Cabinet Secretary from 2005 to 2006, after working in several government posts.
After coming in power in 2006, he was forced to resign within a year because of his deteriorating health with ulcerative colitis.
When his health was not an issue, Shinzo made a comeback in politics and took the position of Prime Minister.
However, due to his long struggle with ulcerative colitis, he resigned once again from the post in August of 2020.
Abe was internationally known and respected for his government’s economic policies, which benefited the residents of Japan.
He was considered a right-wing Japanese nationalist and conservative, who respected Japanese tradition and core values.
What happened to Shizo Abe?
On July 8, 2022, Shizo Abe was shot twice by an unknown gunman, while attending a program near Yamato-Saidaiji Station, in the city of Nara.
At 11:30 local time, he was there in the morning, delivering a speech for a candidate in Nara.
According to the eyewitness, the attack shot him from behind but missed the first shot.
Apparently, the second shot hit him in the back and forced him to fall to the floor and fall unconscious.
He was immediately rushed to the hospital and the attacker was arrested easily since he was in no hurry to escape.
Gun violence is extremely low in Japan and owning a gun is uncommon. So, the question arises, how did he get a gun?
The attacker used a massive homemade gun and was suspected to be a former member of Japan’s Maritime Self-Defense Force.
Is Shizo Abe in a hospital? What is the health condition of Shinzo Abe?
After collapsing on the ground, Shizo Abe was rushed to the nearby hospital and was termed as “responsive” and “conscious.”
Nonetheless, after some time, the officials reported him to be in a state of cardiopulmonary arrest, a term used before death is confirmed in Japan.
Abe was shot in the left part of his chest and neck from behind.
Many bystanders were shocked by the scene and some even initially thought it to be firecrackers.
The sudden chaos confused everyone and the attacker took his chances.
The health condition of Shizo Abe is said to be in grave danger, with fans and well-wishers around the world praying that he makes it.
“The medical workers are trying very hard to save his life,” said the current Prime Minister Fumio Kishida.
Until further information comes from the official source, his health condition is still in critical condition.
On July 8, 2022, Chief Cabinet Secretary Matsuno held a press conference regarding the attack perpetrated against former Prime Minister ABE Shinzo.
Click below for the full text:https://t.co/8suwoNUCHB pic.twitter.com/eFaYxoJ3rb
— PM’s Office of Japan (@JPN_PMO) July 8, 2022
Shizo Abe Wife and Family Detail
Shizo Abe comes from a rich political family as his dad, Shintaro Abe, and granddad, Kan Abe was both former members of Japan’s cabinet.
He was born in Tokyo to his mother, Yoko Kishi, and grew up with two siblings.
His older brother, Hironobu Abe, is the president and CEO of Mitsubishi Shōji Packaging Corporation; meanwhile, his younger brother, Nobuo Kishi is the Senior Vice-Minister for Foreign Affairs.
Abe completed his high school at the prestigious Seikei Junior and Senior High School.
After that, he joined Seikei University and graduated in Political Science in 1977.
He later moved to the USA, where he learned public policy for three semesters at the University of Southern California’s School of Policy, Planning, and Development.
In 1987, Shizo married a former RJ and socialite, Akie Matsuzaki. She is the daughter of the president of “Morinaga & Company,” a food and chocolate business.
Akie is known for speaking her beliefs and views, which contradicts even her husband.
The lovely couple has been happily married for more than two decades.
They don’t have any children. Moreover, they tried to get fertility treatment during their early years of marriage but failed.
Since then, they have given up on having babies and have completely focused on working for the betterment of Japan.