Japan's First Shinzo Abe Statue Unveiled in Nagano

The first statue dedicated to former Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe was unveiled in Anan town, Nagano Prefecture, on June 8. Akie Abe, the late prime minister's widow, attended the ceremony, alongside other close associates like Upper House member Ippei Shi-ra-i. The life-sized bronze statue, standing 1.75 meters tall on a 1-meter base, captures Abe in a dynamic pose, right fist raised and holding a microphone, reminiscent of his energetic street speeches during election campaigns.

The initiative was spearheaded by local Shinto priest Kazuhiko Sato, who established the "Abe Shrine" in Anan town a year after Abe's assassination. Sato, originally from Yamaguchi Prefecture and a former Osaka police officer, was a fellow countryman of Abe's and had known him since 2006 through their involvement with a group seeking the return of Japanese citizens abducted by North Korea. He later moved to Anan town after retiring in May 2022, only for Abe to be assassinated months later.

Sato funded the shrine's construction himself and then launched a crowdfunding campaign for the statue. The fundraising faced challenges, including the political funding scandal involving the Abe faction of the Liberal Democratic Party, which hampered initial efforts. However, Sato persisted, eventually raising approximately 8.5 million yen for the statue through direct donations on the shrine's official website. He expressed a desire for figures like former U.S. President Donald Trump and Taiwan's president to visit the statue one day.

Akie Abe expressed her gratitude, stating, "My husband often said that without land, Japan could not develop. I am happy that a new future can unfold from this land. I also hope to continue watering and fertilizing the seeds he sowed and carry on his legacy."

Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi sent a congratulatory telegram, vowing to work diligently to honor Abe's aspirations. The statue's unveiling marks a significant moment for Abe's supporters, particularly in light of past criticisms from some Japanese left-wing groups and media, who have labeled such memorial efforts as "deification activities." The statue's construction was also inspired by a similar memorial erected in Taiwan.

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My husband often said that without land, Japan could not develop. I am happy that a new future can unfold from this land. I also hope to continue watering and fertilizing the seeds he sowed and carry on his legacy.