Farewell Tokyo!　The place Akie Abe chose as her “final home

On October 15, the 100th anniversary of the tragedy that shook the archipelago, the Yamaguchi prefectural funeral for former Prime Minister Shinzo Abe (aged 67) was held in Shimonoseki City. In addition to local supporters, approximately 2,000 people attended the service, including his brother, Nobuo Kishi, 63, former Minister of Defense, and other members of the Abe faction (Seiwa Seisaku Kenkyukai).

In 1991, my husband’s father, Shintaro Abe, died of pancreatic cancer and was said to be on the verge of becoming prime minister. He was 67 years old, the same age as my husband. My husband, who was his secretary, must have felt his regret more than anyone else. Later, he came back to Shimonoseki, determined to follow his father’s wishes and become a politician. It was the local people who supported my husband. My husband always said, “I can work in Tokyo without worry because of the people who support me in my hometown.

I have met many wonderful people, and with the support of many people, I have been able to do great work for Japan. I consider it to have been a rich 67 years of life. My husband loved Yamaguchi Prefecture, which I also really love, and I would like to do something for the community in the future. I would like to thank you again on behalf of my husband for giving him such a splendid send-off.

Akie, 60, who served as the chief mourner, bowed her head deeply in greeting.

Hearing this greeting, a secretary in the Abe faction of the Liberal Democratic Party was convinced that Akie had chosen Yamaguchi as her final home.