Who is Shinzo Abe?

Shinzo Abe, a grandson of former Prime Minister Nobusuke Kishi, was Japan's longest-serving premier.

He was in office for a year in 2006 and then from 2012 to 2020.

Abe was 52 when he first came into power. His first, turbulent term was marked by scandals and discord. His sudden resignation was initially thought to be due to political reasons, but he later cited a medical condition.

He became prime minister again in 2012 and introduced Abenomics — a plan to revive Japan's economy, which involved vast government spending, massive monetary easing, and cutting red tape.

He stepped down in August 2020, saying his chronic health problem had resurfaced.