Emperor Naruhito of Japan stays silent on death of former PM Shinzo Abe

Their Imperial Majesties Emperor Naruhito and Empress Masako of Japan have not issued any official statements after the assassination of their country’s longest serving and youngest Prime Minister Shinzo Abe.

Their Imperial Majesties Emperor Naruhito and Empress Masako of Japan have not yet issued any official statement. Moreover, with regards to the assassination and and subsequent demise of of their country’s longest serving and youngest Prime Minister Shinzo Abe. The Imperial House Agency has also not issued any statements on behalf of any of the imperial royal family members.

Shinzo Abe was a Japanese politician who served as the Prime Minister of Japan. As well as the President of the Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) from 2006-2007 and again from 2012-2020. He was the longest serving Prime Minister in Japanese history. Shinzo Abe also served as Chief Cabinet Secretary rom 2005 to 2006 under Junichiro Koizumi and was briefly leader of the opposition in 2012.

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Few political leaders can say their tenure literally involved the end of an era, but in Japan, the abdication of former Emperor Akihito meant the Heisei imperial era came to an end in in 2019.

The new Reiwa era began in May 2019 and Emperor Naruhito formally ascended to the Chrysanthemum Throne in October. Which was in an elaborate traditional coronation ceremony steeped in  gradeur.

Shinzo Abe pledged loyalty to silent Emperor

As the Prime Minister, Shinzo Abe had once-in-a-generation role in the transition. Pledging in an address to the new monarch. That the people of Japan would. “Respect your highness the emperor as the symbol of the state and the Unity of the Japanese people”.

He then raised his hands three times, shouting the phrase. “Banzai!” or “Long live the Emperor!”

All major World leaders, including PM Modi expressed their condolences. And shock over the sudden gruesome assassination of the former PM earlier today.

Yet, the Head of State of the constitutional monarchy of Japan has not said a word or made any public appearances speaking on the matter.