Shinzo Abe, photographed here for an exclusive interview with Nikkei in 2018, was Japan's longest-serving prime minister. His assassination shocked the nation and leaves the future of the ruling Liberal Democratic Party uncertain. (Photo by Takaki Kashiwabara)

Japan after Abe: Political stability under threat?

Leaderless conservatives, economic challenges and uncertain future for Kishida all loom

NAOYA YOSHINO, Nikkei political editor

July 13, 2022 06:00 JST

TOKYO -- On July 8, former Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe was campaigning in the western city of Nara, ahead of close-fought elections for Japan's upper house two days later. It was a characteristically virtuoso performance: Abe glad-handed with onlookers and delivered a stump speech in support of the ruling Liberal Democratic Party's candidate.