Japan to honor late ex-PM Abe with highest decoration

Tokyo, Jul 11 (EFE).- The Japanese government announced Monday it will posthumously honor former Prime Minister Shinzo Abe with the Collar of the Supreme Order of the Chrysanthemum, the nation’s highest decoration.

The government’s decision seeks to recognize the contributions of the longest serving prime minister of democratic Japan (2012-2020), who was assassinated on Friday last week while addressing an election rally in the western city of Nara.

The decoration is for the many years of Abe’s professional achievements, including diplomacy and economic security policies, and improved relations with the United States, according to Chief Cabinet Secretary Hirokazu Matsuno at a press conference.

Abe will posthumously become Japan’s fourth postwar prime minister to be honored with this award, following Shigeru Yoshida, Eisaku Sato, and Yasuhiro Nakasone. EFE

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