Prime Minister Kishida: "Abe in Serious Condition... Emergency Measures Underway"

Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida
Photo by Reuters Yonhap News

[Asia Economy Reporter Jeong Hyunjin] Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida stated that he was informed that former Prime Minister Abe is in a serious condition following the shooting incident that occurred on the 8th, and that emergency measures are being taken.

According to NHK and other broadcasts, Prime Minister Kishida said this during a meeting with reporters at the Prime Minister's Official Residence in the afternoon. He said, "Although the background of this crime has not yet been fully understood, it is an atrocious act that occurred during an election, which is the foundation of democracy, and it is absolutely unforgivable," adding, "The government will prepare thoroughly to respond to all possible situations going forward."

When asked about the "impact on the future political situation," Kishida responded, "Since emergency measures are currently being carried out diligently, I believe it is inappropriate to comment on the political impact at this time, and I myself am not thinking about that," emphasizing, "First and foremost, it is important that life-saving measures are properly implemented in this difficult reality, and that the government prepares comprehensive measures to respond to all situations."

Prime Minister Kishida, who was campaigning in support of the upcoming House of Councillors election on the 10th, was informed of the shooting of former Prime Minister Abe and immediately took a helicopter from Yamagata Prefecture to Tokyo. He arrived at the Prime Minister's Official Residence around 2:30 p.m. and promptly appeared before the media. Bloomberg reported that he showed intense anger and was unable to hide his emotions during the press conference.

According to Japan's private broadcaster TBS, a Japanese government official stated regarding former Prime Minister Abe's condition, "We have received information that he is unconscious and his life is in serious danger."