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