Statement by Kengo Sakurada, Chairman of Keizai Doyukai
on the Passing of Japan's Former Prime Minister Shinzo Abe

July 8, 2022

Kengo Sakurada
Chairman, Keizai Doyukai

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1. I am saddened by the news of the passing of former Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, and offer my deepest condolences to his family. Outrageous acts of insulting democracy are never permissible, and I cannot hide my resentment and anger with the acts that took his life.
2. The former prime minister was an attractive leader with a clear vision and a deeply held belief, and decided to take the plunge on economic and foreign/national security policies. Meanwhile, he has continued to advocate the necessity of economic growth, and attracted the public with Abenomics and the success in the Tokyo 2020 Olympics and Paralympics bid.
3. On the foreign/national security front, he has solidified the basis for Japan to maneuver in an increasingly severe global environment. His track record includes CPTPP (Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership) that took effect, calling for the Free and Open Indo-Pacific, and enactment of peace and security legislation.
4. It is a deep sorrow that he lost his life due to the inhumane acts of violence. I renew my respect for his sheer number of achievements. May the soul of Mr. Shinzo Abe rest in peace.

Japanese version