Abe Shinzo, Japan's Longest - Serving Prime Minister
Abe Shinzo served as Japan's prime minister twice.
His family's political history stretches back decades. Abe's grandfather, Kishi Nobusuke, served as prime minister between 1957 and 1960. Abe's father was a politician too. Abe Shintaro served as Japan's foreign minister.
Abe Shinzo ran in 1993's general election, following Shintaro's death.
Abe has been a key member in Japan's politics. While serving as deputy chief cabinet secretary, he visited North Korea with Japan's then-prime minister.
In 2006, Abe took on that role. He was 52-years-old at the time, becoming Japan's youngest prime minister since the end of World War two.
About a year later, the Liberal Democratic Party lost the Upper House election. Abe then resigned, citing worsening health.
Abe's health improved in time for the Lower House election in December 2012. As the party's leader, he led the LDP to an overwhelming victory and he became prime minster once again.
He pushed forward with a policy known as Abenomics to revitalize the country's economy.
He was also active on the diplomatic front.
Abe led his party to win a series of Diet elections and became Japan's longest-serving prime minister.
He stepped down again in 2020 due to heath issues. After regaining strength, he continued to be influential within the LDP, advocating his ideas for security and economic issues.