QUEZON City, Philippines (January 13) – The Prime Minister of Japan, Shinzo Abe is currently in the Philippines for a two-day state visit. The visit bodes well for the country as a whole as Japan promises much-needed aid that can boost our economy.
So what do we know about Japan’s Prime Minister? Here are some facts and trivia about Shinzo Abe
1. He is born into a politically prominent family. His maternal grandfather, Nobosuke Kishi, served as Japan’s Prime Minister from 1957 to 1960. His father, Shintaro Abe, served as the Minister of Foreign Affairs from 1982 – 1986. He is also related to another Prime Minister, his great uncle Eisuke Sato, who served from 1964 to 1972. Sato is also a recipient of the Nobel Peace Prize. As we can see, politics is in Abe’s DNA.
2. Personally, Abe served as deputy cabinet secretary to two Japanese Prime Ministers – Yoshiro Mori and Junichiro Koizumi from 2000-2003.
3. He is the first Japanese Prime Minister that was born after World War II. He was born on September 21, ,1954.
4. Maybe related to the fact that he was born after World War II is that Shinzo Abe may be the first Japanese leader who – although still expressing remorse for the Japan’s participation in World War II – does not issue any new apology for the fact. He also expressed that future Japanese generations should no longer need to keep apologizing.
5. He won a second term as Prime Minister due to “Abenomics” – a policy of increased government spending and fiscal reform.
6. He is also known for his aggressive attitude against China.
7. On a lighter note, Abe’s favorite food includes Korean barbecue, ramen, ice cream and watermelon. He also likes to eat healthy food like kale, carrots and apple juice. For breakfast, he eats miso soup with clams and fermented tofu with lots of leeks.
(written by Jay Paul Carlos, additional research by Vince Alvin Villarin)