Abe Memorial Vandalized with Graffiti Just One Week After Installation

Graffiti Found on Former Prime Minister Abe's Memorial
Graffiti Has Now Been Removed

A memorial dedicated to the late former Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe was vandalized with black paint.

Mrs. Akie Abe, spouse of former Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, is taking a photo next to the memorial of former Prime Minister Abe. Photo by Akie Abe

According to the Sankei Shimbun on July 13 (local time), Osaka Prefectural Police announced that around 11 p.m. the previous day, traces of black paint graffiti were discovered on the "Constitutional Martyrs Monument," which was erected to honor the achievements of former Prime Minister Abe within the grounds of Osaka Hokoku Shrine in Suminoe Ward, Osaka City.

According to the shrine, black spray paint was used for the graffiti. The shrine reported, "When we checked on the evening of July 12, there was nothing unusual. It appears the graffiti was done during the night."

The graffiti has now been removed, and the shrine plans to file a damage report.

This monument, erected to mark the third anniversary of former Prime Minister Abe's passing, is located near the main hall. On the right side of the front, the phrase "Constitutional Martyrs Monument" (a monument honoring those who sacrificed for constitutional government), written by Abe's spouse Akie Abe, is inscribed. On the left side, there is a photograph of former Prime Minister Abe. The unveiling ceremony for the monument was held on July 6.

Fujie Masayasu, the chief priest of the shrine, expressed strong regret, saying, "It has only been a week since the monument was built, and I truly cannot forgive this."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.