Since the other day, I have been working on a book of conversations between Mr. Masayuki Takayama and Mr. Sekihei, knowing that it is my mission to make it known not only to Japan but also to the world.
When the Sankei Shimbun planned a memorial service for Mr. Abe with the applicants' real names, I immediately completed the procedures and payment.
On memorial day, I looked for my name on the paper; no matter how many times I looked for it, I could not find it.
I had no choice but to call the Sankei Shimbun.
As you might expect, I was only answered by a person who looked like an alumnus of the newspaper.
It is essential that "beauty is in the details."
Since then, my attachment to the Sankei Shimbun has waned considerably.
Naturally, I feel differently about the paper than I did before.
However, today, a friend of mine, one of the world's best readers, told me about the following article by Mr. Rui Abiru, which I thought was excellent.
It is an article worthy of him, one of the best real reporters working today, who supports the Sankei Shimbun's market value.
It is a must-read not only for the Japanese people but for people worldwide.
The emphasis in the text other than the headline is mine.
Abe's Aim for a "Gentle Nation"
The year 2022 was, unfortunately, a bleak one, as the kanji for "this year's kanji" was "war" to describe the state of the world.
The death of former Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, who was shot and "killed in action" during an election speech, the very foundation of democracy, was such a shock that it is still difficult to accept.
"Mr. Abe changed things for the better in Japan, our region, and worldwide. We must celebrate his life. His life was such an accomplishment."
As Australian Prime Minister Albanesey put it in his State of the Union address in July, Mr. Abe's role in reshaping the world was significant.
He encouraged a shift in the U.S. view of China and its policy toward China, and he brought India, which had historically maintained a distance from the U.S., into the fold to create the "Quad," a framework of four powerful nations: Japan, the U.S., Australia, and India.
He persuaded European countries that had been lax in their stance toward China to change their perceptions gradually, and he built a quasi-alliance with the United Kingdom to counter the rise of China and its threats.
Mr. Luttwak, a U.S. historian and strategy hustler, described Mr. Abe as a "born strategist."
In domestic politics, Abe's economic policy, "Abenomics," has helped to restore employment and the economy. He was also a politician who achieved unprecedented results in correcting the distorted discourse on historical awareness and education, including the first revision of the Basic Education Law in 59 years.
He was a man who never forgot to care.
He was undoubtedly cunning in how he gradually gained ground and then took the game by storm, using an excellent eye and keen observation to determine what would be effective in pursuing these goals.
But that was not all.
He also possessed a rare kindness.
Perhaps because he had suffered for many years from ulcerative colitis, an intractable disease that he contracted in the third year of junior high school, he was also a man who never forgot to be attentive to everyone.
Perhaps because he was not blessed with children, the warmth in his eyes when interacting with them was particularly impressive.
He had been diagnosed with the disease twice before retiring as prime minister. Still, during the second Abe administration, when his symptoms had subsided, Tomohiko Taniguchi, who had worked on Abe's foreign policy speeches as a counselor in the Cabinet Secretariat.
He told me, "Perhaps for the first time since he can remember, Mr. Abe is now able to give his all [without worrying about his illness]."
Advocating a Society Where People Can Start Over
In an article in the September issue of Seiron, written shortly after Mr. Abe's death on July 8, I first emphasized Mr. Abe's achievements by using the word "rechallenge," which Mr. Abe himself advocated.
"Mr. Abe himself put into practice the idea of "rechallenge," that one can start over even after suffering a major defeat or setback."
Yoshihiko Noda, former Minister of Home Affairs of the Democratic Party of Japan (DPJ), said in an October memorial speech to the Diet.
"You advocated a society where people can start over again even if they fail, and you have put that word into practice yourself. So here was your true essence as a political leader."
In November 2012, just before he took back power from the Democratic Party of Japan (DPJ), Mr. Abe spoke passionately about the kind of society he was aiming for in a debate among the party leaders.
"I want to create a free society without hurdles for women, the elderly, and people with disabilities. Many people are suffering from intractable diseases. I want to create a community where these people can live with their illnesses while working, a society where they can have as many chances as they wish."
While responding to the cold reality of the international community, I want to point out that Mr. Abe's true goal was to create such a kind country.
(Editorial Writer and Political Correspondent)
