'Godmother of Politics' Yoko Abe Passes Away at 95

Feb 06, 2024 | News On Japan

TOKYO - Yoko Abe, the mother of former Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, passed away on February 4th in Tokyo at the age of 95. Born in Tokyo in 1928, Yoko Abe grew up in a prominent political family, being the daughter of Shinsuke Kishi and the niece of Eisaku Sato, both of whom served as Prime Ministers of Japan.

In 1950, she married Shinzo Abe, then a newspaper journalist who would later become the Foreign Minister, and supported his political career while raising their three children, including the future Prime Minister.

After the death of her husband, Shinzo, in 1991, she consistently supported her son, Shinzo Abe, in his political journey as his successor.

Serving for many years as the leader of the spouses of members belonging to the current Abe faction, also known as the Seiwa Policy Research Council, Yoko Abe was widely supported within the political sphere and affectionately known as the "Godmother of the Political World."

Source: TBS NEWS

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