Shinzo Abe. (Image via Foreign Policy)

Japan’s Shinzo Abe in Retrospect

It has been nearly two weeks since Shinzo Abe resigned as Japanese prime minister, leaving the post to his chief cabinet secretary, Yoshihide Suga. Abe resigned due to the aggravation of the chronic intestinal disease he has been living with for many years. His abrupt resignation delivered shocks worldwide. Reactions came from world leaders upon learning about his resignation in the end of August 2020.

What is now left for Japan following Abe’s resignation? Let us take a squint at the face of Japan when Abe reassumed office in 2012. Abe inherited a country that was propelled by a lethargic economy, and a more politically unstable environment. Eight years after he started his tenure, the economic outlook of Japan showed significant growth. Improved economy – at least before covid-19 damaged its economy – is a hallmark of Abe’s premiership.

However, Abe’s performance was not flawless. Abe was a strong believer of science and was convinced that science could help boost the economic growth of the country. But this vision did not seem to be realized at its best. Japan allocated 3.2% of its national income for research and development, which he saw as essential components for economic growth – an extravagant spending on scientific development compared to its Western equivalent, the United States which only spent 2.8% on research and development. Nevertheless, 80% of this spending was supplied by industry.

Amidst of covid-19 situation, Abe’s approval rate shrank decisively. Japan’s economy that was once robust and healthy, is now stricken from the pandemic situation. Abe’s legacy does not consist merely of good things, but bad things as well. Heated tension with China and North Korea and undecided fate of and uncertainty around Tokyo Olympics 2020 are some of the chaos that Abe handed over to his successor. The country is now hoping that Yoshihide Suga could get the country out of crisis.

Source: https://go.nature.com/329O3zc