[Epoch Times, July 14, 2022](The Epoch Times reporter Zhong Yuan reported in Taipei) Former Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe was assassinated on the 8th, shocking the world. Taro Aso, the former prime minister and vice president of the Liberal Democratic Party, said with grief at Abe’s funeral, “You should be the one to read my eulogy.” In this regard, Akio Yaita, director of the Taipei branch of Japan’s “Sankei Shimbun”, pointed out that the two were friendly and said that his eulogy was “sincere and touching.”
Aso said in his eulogy at Abe’s funeral on the 12th that Abe always thinks of his own country under any circumstances, and always puts national interests first, but losing you at a time when all countries need a compass is a huge country in Japan. loss.
Aso also said that when he and Abe played golf, they always joked together, and there were many good memories between the two. Aso also said sadly, “Didn’t you say you want to help me with the eulogy? It’s up to me as it is now. It really hurts me to come to read your eulogy.” He mentioned that he would go there in the future, hoping to chat more happily than before.
Akio Yaita posted on Facebook on the 13th that at the funeral of former Japanese Prime Minister Abe on the 12th, former Prime Minister Taro Aso delivered a speech as a representative of Abe’s friends. He delivered a moving eulogy that caused widespread repercussions in Japanese society.
Akio Yaita said that Taro Aso, 81, is 14 years older than Shinzo Abe.AsoHe said that Abe has innate diplomatic ability and uncompromising courage, which has enabled Japan to increase its presence in the international community.AsoHe praised Abe as “the best post-war statesman”.
“Aso and Abe were originally not very close on the political spectrum.” Akio Yaita said that Aso’s grandfather Shigeru Yoshida and Abe’s grandfather Nobusuke Kishi were once a pair of well-known political enemies in Japanese politics. The two represent Japan’s two political lines after the war. Shigeru Yoshida advocated “focusing on business and ignoring soldiers”, that is, relying on the United States for national defense, and Japan only needs to devote itself to developing the economy; while Shinsuke Kishi promoted the revision of the pacifist constitution, hoping that Japan could soon Self-reliance in national defense.
Yaita Akio said that 50 years later, Abe and Aso have inherited the factions left by their respective grandfathers, which is also a competitive relationship. The two suddenly approached after the Liberal Democratic Party lost the election in 2009 and changed from the ruling party to the opposition party. It turned out that the two people, who had a lot of opportunities, suddenly had free time, and they often chatted and ate together, and the more they chatted, the more they agreed. Aso also felt that the line of emphasizing business and ignoring soldiers was no longer suitable for today’s Japan, so he gradually moved closer to Abe in terms of policy.
He pointed out that the Aso family is known as the “Aso chaebol” and is very wealthy, so Abe often brings some young lawmakers to Aso’s office and says, “We’re here to treat Mr. Aso!” Aso said with a wry smile every time: ” I’m going to make you poor!” Then he happily took everyone to dinner. Because they often eat together, the Aso faction and the Abe faction have a particularly good personal relationship.
“After the Liberal Democratic Party regained power, Abe organized a new cabinet, with Aso serving as Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance, to fully assist Abe.” Akio Yaita said that the Liberal Democratic Party has 7 factions, Abe and Aso together, more than 140 people, accounting for the Liberal Democratic Party more than one-third of the members of Congress. When the two factions join forces, other factions within the Liberal Democratic Party will not dare to challenge the Abe regime easily.
He said that during Abe’s long-term 8 years in power, there have been several regime crises, and Aso has had the opportunity to challenge the prime minister again, but Aso has repeatedly said to the surrounding: “Abe is stronger than me, and I will assist him.” The combination of the two brought stability to the Japanese regime for eight years.
Akio Yaita said that in the face of the departure of his ally who was 14 years younger than him, Aso said in the last sentence of his eulogy: “To be honest, I originally hoped that Abe would come to read my eulogy…” Sincerely, Impressive.
Responsible editor: Lin Yan#
