In an unusual and symbolic gesture, Russian President Vladimir Putin lent his personal luxury car to Akie Abe, widow of late Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, during her visit to Moscow. The meeting, held at the Kremlin on Thursday and broadcast on Russian state television, highlighted a moment of condolence and diplomacy amidst strained relations between Russia and Japan.
During the encounter, Putin expressed his condolences and praised Shinzo Abe’s legacy, particularly his efforts to advance Russian-Japanese cooperation. “I am very grateful to your husband. I will remember his contribution to the development of Russian-Japanese cooperation,” Putin said while presenting Akie Abe with a bouquet of flowers.
Akie Abe was visibly moved, shedding tears as Putin arranged for her to be chauffeured in his Russian-made Aurus limousine to the renowned Bolshoi Theatre for a ballet performance. The Kremlin clarified that the visit was unofficial.
Japan’s Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshimasa Hayashi told reporters the government had not been in contact with Akie Abe regarding the visit and refrained from commenting.
Observers interpret this interaction as a charm offensive by Russia, aiming to ease diplomatic tensions caused by Japan’s sanctions following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
Putin recalled Abe’s pursuit of a peace treaty between Japan and Russia, stating, “I know his dream — and he pursued it earnestly — was concluding a peace treaty between our nations. We made significant progress together on this path.” However, he acknowledged that the current geopolitical circumstances prevent further progress.
Akie Abe expressed admiration for her late husband’s sincere attitude toward Russia, citing his hosting of Putin in Yamaguchi Prefecture in 2016. She emphasized that although she is not a politician, “Russia is a very important neighbour” to Japan and voiced hopes for continued cultural exchanges.
Reflecting on Shinzo Abe’s relationship with Putin, she revealed that despite the conflicts surrounding Ukraine, her husband had hoped to meet with Putin again but was prevented due to his untimely assassination in July 2022. Abe was Japan’s longest-serving prime minister and met Putin 27 times during his tenure. He was fatally shot while campaigning in Nara, Japan. Notably, Putin did not attend Abe’s state funeral.
