Akie Abe Interviewed at Shinjuku’s Okubo Park: Will You Attend the Inauguration?

Descending into Kabukicho in broad daylight.

“You’re not similar at all!”
“Hey! I do resemble him!”
“If your name wasn’t written on the sash, I wouldn’t recognize you. Your eyes are small. Are you sleeping?”
“Hey! I’m awake!”
“Suga-san looks similar though.”
“Hey! It’s also not!”

This playful exchange took place between Kazumin (51), a comedian doing an impression of former Liberal Democratic Party election committee chairman Shinjiro Koizumi (43), and Akie Abe (62), wife of the late former Prime Minister Shinzo Abe.

On January 13, during the Coming of Age Day celebrations, the “New Year Kabukicho Mochi Pounding Festival” was held at Okubo Park in Shinjuku, Tokyo. The event was hosted by the Social Contribution Support Foundation, a public interest incorporated foundation chaired by Akie Abe. As soon as she arrived at the park in jeans and a yellow down jacket, a photo session with participants began. Many attendees lined up to ask for signatures on books and photo collections of the late Prime Minister Abe, showing that her popularity remains strong.

Kazumin (right) continues to praise Akie Abe, saying, “Even though she’s not a famous comedian, she treats everyone equally and is truly kind.”

“We’ve known each other for only 2 or 3 years, but even when I jokingly scold her, she laughs it off. She’s so easy to talk to, you’d forget she was the First Lady. Just being there, people gather around her—it’s something to be envious of.”

During her opening remarks, Akie Abe addressed the challenges Kabukicho faces, particularly mentioning the nearby “To-Yoko.”

“Kabukicho has many issues. I’ve often come here to interact with everyone and listen to various stories. Today, I hope to have a nice conversation with everyone while enjoying some mochi.”