Japanese politician & Prime Minister (1954- )
I believe the Japan-U.S. alliance is the only indispensable alliance, and I'd like to use my visit to further strengthen this relationship.
SHINZO ABE
Chicago Tribune, Apr. 23, 2007
I believe it is important that we Japanese write a constitution for ourselves that would reflect the shape of the country we consider desirable in the 21st century.
SHINZO ABE
"A Conversation with Shinzo Abe", Washington Post, Apr. 23, 2007
In a world that is deepening its mutual interdependence, inward-focused thinking is no longer able to safeguard the peace of Japan. We will fully defend the lives and assets of our nationals as well as our territory, territorial waters, and territorial airspace in a resolute manner.
SHINZO ABE
South China Morning Post, May 11, 2014
Hitherto, there was a thinking in Japan that it is okay just to look inside Japan in order to secure peace for our own country, not shedding our eyes to the outside world. Of course, this thinking is in the process of changing.
SHINZO ABE
interview with David Ignatius, Washington Post, March 26, 2015
I've been explaining that there are three reasons for the idea that we need to revise the constitution. The first is that the current constitution was drafted at the time when Japan was under occupation. And the second is that 60 years have passed since the constitution was promulgated, and we now see parts of the constitution that do not necessarily fit the times. And also, new values have emerged in the meantime. And the third is that, I believe writing our new constitution ourselves will in fact lead to the spirit of trailblazing a new era. And I would like to see to it that the constitution will be amended within my term of office.
SHINZO ABE
Talk Asia, Apr. 30, 2007
It has been more than 60 years since the constitution was put in place. There are provisions in the constitution that no longer suit the times. Since the constitution was promulgated, we've seen the emergence of new values, such as privacy, the environment and so on, which need to be incorporated.
SHINZO ABE
Chicago Tribune, Apr. 23, 2007
I have no intention of conducting governance for the benefit of specific organizations or individuals; instead I will conduct governance on behalf of the entire people -- the ordinary people who live by the sweat of their brows, love their families, wish to improve their own communities and hometowns, and who want to believe in the future of Japan.
SHINZO ABE
speech to the 165th Session of the Diet, September 29, 2006
Going forward, with the utilization of artificial intelligence, Big Data and IoT, we want to overcome the challenges coming from an aging society with low fertility. Well, I would say precisely because we live in a greying society with low fertility rate, we have already accumulated data and with the use of artificial intelligence we will make good use of the Big Data that we have.
SHINZO ABE
interview, CNBC, May 16, 2017
What is unfortunate, however, is that in the case of China, teaching patriotism is also teaching anti-Japanese sentiment.
SHINZO ABE
Washington Post, Feb. 20, 2013
This year, I chose the word "motion." In Japan, the earth moved, literally, in the Kumamoto earthquake, causing many casualties and considerable damage. Around the world, the United Kingdom voted to leave the European Union (EU) and Donald Trump won the presidential election in the United States. Every year, I pray that we will have peace and calm for the year ahead, but 2016 was a year of intense movement. But I am not easily overwhelmed by this kind of rapid change. I am continuously thinking about how to overcome whatever happens.
SHINZO ABE
interview, Japan Forward, January 5, 2017
We must recognize that this is the time and age when threats would easily come across national borders, with the pervasive existence of weapons of mass destruction, ballistic missiles, the spread of terrorism as well as cyber attack. Regarding Japan, the security environment around Japan has become even more tough. This is the time and age when one country alone cannot defend and protect its own peace and security. So with the countries of the world, we must cooperate and we must contribute so we can achieve the peace and stability, peace and safety, for our own country, for the region we are in as well as for the entire world.
SHINZO ABE
interview with David Ignatius, Washington Post, March 26, 2015
It is my belief that politicians should not be stepping into the realm of history. Rather, politicians should be taking a future-oriented perspective.
SHINZO ABE
Washington Post, Feb. 20, 2013
In Japan, usually, once you become prime minister, you do not have a second chance. Probably the reason why that was not the case this time is because Japan is facing an increasingly challenging situation.
SHINZO ABE
Washington Post, Feb. 20, 2013
A nation will not be vitalized unless its regions are vitalized.
SHINZO ABE
speech to the 165th Session of the Diet, September 29, 2006
One evening a little while back, I had a craving for ice cream, so I went by myself to a nearby convenience store to buy some. My security detail was with me, but the reporters assigned to cover me didn't notice, and it seems it was a major incident.
SHINZO ABE
interview, Japan Forward, January 5, 2017
On the relations between Japan and China, we see the political and economic relations between our two countries as the tandem wheels of a vehicle and they both need to work properly.
SHINZO ABE
press conference following his visit to China, October 8, 2006
Our predecessors overcame many troubles and much suffering, but each time got back up stronger than before.
SHINZO ABE
The Telegraph, Mar. 12, 2014
In the last five years I used to go to Zen practice once a month, but since I assumed the post of prime minister it's been much harder.
SHINZO ABE
Huffington Post, May 9, 2013
I did learn from many mistakes. First and foremost, I learned that it is important to create a wide base of support within the LDP. In forming the cabinet this time, I included almost all the members of the LDP whom I ran against during the party election for president. Also, as a result of the lessons I learned, this time my policy priorities have become very clear. This would include first and foremost restoring a robust economy. I believe this has resulted in the strong support that I am getting from the people.
SHINZO ABE
Washington Post, Feb. 20, 2013
A win for the American economy is a win for the Japanese economy.
SHINZO ABE
interview, Japan Forward, January 5, 2017