Lee Yi-yang visits Shinzo Abe retrospective exhibition, precious relics recreate legendary life

(Central News Agency, Tokyo, July 6) Former Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe passed away after being shot and killed in July 2022. The "Shinzo Abe Digital Museum Project" is holding a retrospective exhibition from July 4th at TFT Hall 500, Tokyo Big Sight. Taiwan's Representative to Japan, Lee Yi-yang, after visiting today with ambassadors from various countries, stated that through Abe's words, relics, and diplomatic footprints, we can once again appreciate his outstanding contributions to Japan, Taiwan, and the international community.

According to the Sankei Shimbun, the retrospective exhibition is organized by the "Shinzo Abe Digital Museum Project." Upon entering the venue, visitors are greeted by a large banner that reads "Dreams must not end here," along with a smiling photograph of former Prime Minister Abe, displayed alongside a slightly shy childhood photo, which is particularly striking.

Lee Yi-yang posted on Facebook that Shinzo Abe was the longest-serving Prime Minister in Japan's constitutional history, serving for 3,188 days. During his tenure, he visited 196 countries and regions. The retrospective exhibition focuses on his life and diplomatic achievements, showcasing approximately 100 precious relics.

The most notable exhibits in the exhibition are the relics left behind by Abe when he was attacked during a speech on the streets of Nara on July 8, 2022, including his Diet member badge, which was cracked by the gunshot, the microphone he was holding at the time, and the black leather shoes he wore that day. The exhibition also displays the eulogy read by former Prime Minister Taro Aso, who had a close relationship with Abe, at his memorial service, moving visitors.

Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi also sent a special message for this retrospective exhibition, writing, "Wherever I go in the world, or when I speak with leaders from various countries visiting Japan, I feel more profoundly every day how immense the outstanding contributions left by Prime Minister Abe for Japan and the Japanese people are."

The exhibition also showcases Abe's major policy and diplomatic achievements, including the "Peace and Security Legislation Agreement" signed in 2015, the badge he wore when he stepped down as the supreme commander of the Japan Self-Defense Forces in 2020, and memorabilia from his reception of then-U.S. President Trump in 2019, including a nameplate from a robatayaki banquet, a golf cap, and a selfie of the two, recreating important moments of his active presence on the international diplomatic stage.

In addition to his political career, the exhibition also presents lesser-known aspects of Abe's private life. The organizers recreated his office in the House of Representatives building, displaying his actual desk, chair, and bookshelves, and allowing the public to sit and take photos.

Furthermore, the exhibition publicly displays Abe's diary from his time at Seikei Elementary School in Tokyo, as well as photos from his courtship with his wife, Akie Abe, and their married life, offering a glimpse into his approachable and humorous side.

Akie Abe once shared that Shinzo Abe practiced his speeches repeatedly before each one, which is why he left behind so many memorable addresses. The exhibition specifically displays an old tape recorder that accompanied him for many years as he practiced his speeches.

Abe was long dedicated to medical and rare disease policies. The exhibition also publicly displays his correspondence with a girl from Fukushima Prefecture suffering from a rare disease, spanning 8 years.

The exhibition area related to Taiwan also received special attention from Lee Yi-yang. After China unexpectedly suspended imports of Taiwanese pineapples in 2021, Abe publicly supported Taiwan through social media and used his influence and network to help promote them, sparking enthusiastic responses in Japanese society and driving significant purchases of Taiwanese pineapples. He was seen as a crucial force in helping Taiwan overcome its pineapple export crisis. The exhibition specifically displays photos of Abe promoting Taiwanese pineapples at the time.

In addition, the organizers introduced Lee Yi-yang to several exhibits related to Taiwan-Japan friendship, including a jade mountain ornament inscribed with the words "Breaking from the Old and Creating the New," gifted by former President Lee Teng-hui, and a small model of a bronze statue of Abe created by Baohao Temple in Kaohsiung, symbolizing the gratitude of the Taiwanese people for Abe's long-term support of Taiwan.

A message area is set up at the exhibition for visitors to write their tributes to Abe. Lee Yi-yang's message reads: "Advocating for the Indo-Pacific concept, a contribution to the world. Prime Minister Abe, we will always remember you," signed "Taiwan Ambassador Lee Yi-yang."

Lee Yi-yang also recalled that from late March to early April 2023, he and his wife jointly visited the "Memorial Exhibition of Former Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe" held at the Chang Yung-fa International Convention Center in Taipei. In comparison, that year's exhibition was larger in scale, focusing on news photos and historical images. Although this retrospective exhibition is smaller in scale, it displays many precious relics and is very worthwhile.

This retrospective exhibition runs from July 4th to July 12th and will subsequently move to the Nara Prefectural Convention Center from July 17th to 19th. (Editor: Chou Yung-chieh) 1150706

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