After an assassin shot former Prime Minister Shinzo Abe during a political street rally, Doctor Fukushima Hidetada of Nara Medical University said, “We tried to resuscitate him but, unfortunately, he died at 5:03 p.m.”

1954 – 2022

Prime Minister Shinzo Abe was a transformative figure in Japanese politics.  A devout nationalist with a humble demeanor, Abe shifted the national sentiment from post war apology toward an outlook of pride in Japanese culture, work ethic and traditional value.  He was beloved by conservatives and patriots in Japan and disliked by leftists and globalists.

Perhaps the best example of Abe’s incredible personal and political influence was his visit to Pearl Harbor in December 2016.  It was the 75th anniversary of the Japanese attack.  Although Japanese leaders had visited Pearl Harbor before, Prime Minister Abe was the first to visit the hallowed memorial resting atop the sunken USS Arizona.  It was an amazing and moving moment in history.

When you accept how intensely sensitive a visit to Pearl Harbor by the Japanese Prime Minister is… When you pause and think about the scope of trepidation that follows such a tenuously emotional diplomatic mission… It is proper to appreciate history and give credit where it is deserved.

Prime Minister Shinzo Abe’s visit was powerful proof that former enemies can transcend the recriminatory impulses that often weigh down generational relationships long after war.

Speaking to the gathered audience in Pearl Harbor Hawaii, Prime Minister Shinzo Abe delivered an eloquent and honorable tribute. The first six and a half minutes of his speech below was remarkable in its historic value and speaks to the character of the former Japanese leader.

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