At a memorial ceremony marking the fourth anniversary of the death of former Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, who was killed in a shooting in 2022, Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi emphasized that she would continue to "take on new challenges" by following in his footsteps.

According to reports from NHK and other outlets, Prime Minister Takaichi made these remarks while attending the "Meeting to Inherit the Will of Former Prime Minister Shinzo Abe" held in Tokyo on this day.

Prime Minister Takaichi, who considers the former leader her "political mentor," stated, "From the bold monetary easing of Abenomics to allowing the partial exercise of the right to collective self-defense, Prime Minister Abe courageously took on issues that divided public opinion." She added, "Taking on challenges invites harsh criticism. As Prime Minister, I am feeling the weight of that heavy responsibility every day."

She further added, "Even while facing significant criticism over the abolition of the 'five categories' and the establishment of a National Intelligence Agency, we must continue to pursue new challenges. A country that refuses to take on challenges, no matter the criticism, has no future."

She also remarked, "I want to be a fighting politician like Prime Minister Abe."

These remarks are interpreted as a renewed emphasis on Prime Minister Takaichi's intention to uphold and continue the conservative, right-leaning policy direction set by the former Prime Minister.

Prime Minister Takaichi has revised the Three Principles on Defense Equipment Transfers—which previously limited exportable defense equipment to five categories: rescue, transport, alert, surveillance, and minesweeping—to allow for the export of lethal weapons in principle. She has also been pushing for the establishment of a National Intelligence Agency, often referred to as a "Japanese CIA."

On the 8th, marking the fourth anniversary of his death, Prime Minister Takaichi also paid tribute to him on X (formerly Twitter), writing: "It has been over eight months since I took office as Prime Minister, and every day, whether I travel abroad or meet with world leaders visiting Japan, I realize the magnitude of the achievements Prime Minister Abe left behind for Japan and its people."

Former Prime Minister Abe was killed by a homemade firearm on July 8, 2022, while delivering a campaign speech in Nara City, Nara Prefecture, shortly before the House of Councillors election.