Shinzo Abe 68th Birth Anniversary: 7 Memorable Quotes By Former Japan Prime Minister

If former Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe was among us today he would have been his 68th birthday. The renowned Japanese politician served as Prime Minister of Japan and the President of the Liberal Democratic Party from 2006 to 2007 and then again from 2012-2020. He was the longest-serving Prime Minister in Japanese history. Besides that, he also served as Chief Cabinet Secretary from 2005 to 2006 under Junichiro Koizumi. 

While delivering a speech in Nara on 8th July 2022, just 2 days before the 10th July upper house election, abe was assassinated. The suspect behind the killing was arrested at the scene and confessed of killing the abe because of his ties with the Unification Church. 

Shinzo Abe was born on 21st September 1954 to a well-established political party in Shinjuku, Tokyo. While growing up he wanted to be a filmmaker, but destiny has other plans. Due to his political background, he chooses to enter politics. 

On his birthday we bring you a few quotes from Shinzo Abe that will motivate you to do better in life- 

7 Memorable Quotes by Former Japan Prime Minister by Shinzo Abe

1. There isn’t anything anybody wants that is for any other reason than that they think they would feel better in having it.

2. I have experienced failure as a politician and for that very reason, I am ready to give everything for Japan.

3. A robust economy is a source of national strength for Japan.

4. I am a patriot. I would think there are no politicians who are not patriots. Since I am a politician, I often get criticized as I try to exercise what I believe to be right. However, if you mind such criticism, I think you can’t protect people’s lives.

5. “Our predecessors overcame many troubles and much suffering, but each time got back up stronger than before.”

6. “I try to exercise in nature, and I try to play golf once a month. The last time I played golf with my wife, however, she got better scores than me, which became an additional source of stress.”

7. My hope is that the 21st century will be the first century where there will be no violation of human rights, and to that end, Japan would like to do its utmost.

His father Shintaro Abe serves in the House of Representatives from 1958 to 1991, with designation as Chief Cabinet Secretary, Minister for International Trade and Industry, and Minister for Foreign Affairs. 

Abe did his schooling at Seikei Elementary School and Seikei Junior and Senior High School. Later he enrolled in public administration and graduated with a bachelor’s degree in political science from Seikei University in 1977. He also attended the University of Southern California where he studied English along with courses in history, international relations, and political science for three semesters.

In 1987, Abe married Akie Matsuzaki, a socialite and former radio disc jockey. She was the daughter of the president of Morinaga, a confectionery manufacturer in Japan. She is commonly known for her views as it is described as a “domestic opposition party” due to her outspoken views, which often don’t align with her husband’s.