Abe was a sprightly 52 when he first became prime minister in 2006, the youngest person to occupy the job in the postwar era. He was seen as a symbol of change and youth, but also brought the pedigree of a third-generation politician groomed from birth by an elite, conservative family
A file photo of Shinzo Abe at his official residence during his Prime ministership in Tokyo, Japan, 28 August 2020 when he had just announced his resignation due to health concerns. Photo by Franck Robichon/Pool/Anadolu Agency via Getty Images
Tokyo, Japan: Shinzo Abe smashed records as Japan's longest-serving prime minister, championing ambitious economic reform and forging key diplomatic relationships while weathering scandals.
Nearly two years after poor health forced him to leave office, the 67-year-old was shot at during a campaign event on Friday.
Abe was a sprightly 52 when he first became prime minister in 2006, the youngest person to occupy the job in the postwar era.
He was seen as a symbol of change and youth, but also brought the pedigree of a third-generation politician groomed from birth by an elite, conservative family.
Abe's first term was turbulent, plagued by scandals and discord, and capped by an abrupt resignation.