Japan consulate flies flag at half-mast as dozens line up to pay Abe tribute
Local | Sophia Shi 12 Jul 2022
Japan's consulate-general in Hong Kong flew its national flag at half-mast and set up a condolence book yesterday to mourn former prime minister Shinzo Abe.
Dozens of people dressed in black and white showed up outside the consulate in Central, with many holding flowers and queuing to pay tribute. Abe died on Friday at the age of 67 after being gunned down while campaigning for Liberal Democratic candidates in Nara.
Before they were allowed entry to the waiting room, visitors had to undergo security checks and only two were allowed in to sign the condolence book at one time.
One message said: "Rest in peace. Prime minister, thank you for what you've done in your life."
Emi Makihara, who arrived from Japan six months ago, said she was shocked to learn of Abe's death, adding Japan has always been a safe country with negligible gun violence.
She made the trip because she missed Abe and wished to express gratitude for his leadership.
Hongkongers also showed up bearing flowers.
One of them, Kenny, said: "Hongkongers see Japan as their place to relax" adding that Abe was "a great politician of modern Asia."
The consulate will continue to welcome visitors who wish to pay condolences at its office between 10am and 4pm today. Messages can also be emailed to infojp@hn.mofa.go.jp.
Singer and university professor Agnes Chan Mei-ling took to Facebook on Saturday to say: "The former Japanese prime minister, Mr Abe, was shot and killed. I am very sad and angry because I have been friends with him for many years. It is difficult for our family to accept this."
Chan also thanked Abe for constantly supporting and encouraging her family, concluding "life is really unpredictable, so cherish what you have now."
Chan's husband, Tsutomu Kaneko, was Abe's classmate in secondary school.
Their friendship remained strong throughout the years and in 1986, Abe visited Hong Kong to attend Chan and Kaneko's wedding as the best man at the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception.
Meanwhile, the Family Federation for World Peace and Unification, otherwise known as Unification Church, confirmed that the mother of the shooter, Tetsuya Yamagami, is a member.
According to reports from Japanese newspaper Iwate Nippo, Yamagami's family had previously told the church it had gone bankrupt.
Japanese police are investigating the case and the financial situation of Yamagami's mother, a process that the church said it would gladly provide assistance if necessary.
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