I’ve got sad news, everyone: yesterday, July 8, former Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe was ended by an assassin’s bullet at a political rally. The death shocked a nation that has historically had very low levels of gun violence. In 2021, there were several gun-related injuries, but only a single death. On the other hand, America in 2020 had 45,222. This disparity can only be attributed to the fact that Japan has extremely stringent gun control. It can take months to access a firearm, and it includes steps a police background check and a medical examination, both physical & mental. Just the sheer amount of work it requires deters most people’s desire to ever get one.
I must point out that, on the other hand, in many Southern American states, it is very easy to access a weapon. Is it any surprise, then, that our firearm-related deaths are over 40,000 times greater in number?
Unfortunately, Japan’s regulations weren’t enough to protect the prime minister, who was killed by a handmade gun. Japan was absolutely shocked by the news, as they were a nation that has never had to experience the pain and sadness of gun violence. The country is in mourning for their fallen leader, and sympathy has poured in across borders. A country that has criticized America’s constant stream of shootings now must cope with one themselves. This is a fresh wound, so how Japan reacts remains to be seen.
Shinzo Abe’s killing was the murder of one of the most influential Japanese politicians since World War II. He strengthened Japan’s defense, and their resolve to be a part of the international community as an active member. He was a transformative figure in Japan.
He may be gone, but his legacy will remain.