To our many Japanese friends and the entire Indiana-Japan Community:

I awoke early this morning to the most tragic news concerning Prime Minister Abe’s assassination. Apart from being the longest serving Prime Minister in Japan’s history, it is what Mr. Abe did with his time in public service that shall be his enduring legacy. Among a long list of monumental national and international accomplishments, he was the driving force in strengthening Japan-US relations to the highest level in memory. That he was able to advance those relations regardless of which political party was in America’s White House underscores his ability to work across all aisles and boundaries – always led by reason, always driven by his desire for a better world. 

Looking backwards, he will be remembered as one of the modern era’s greatest leaders. Looking forward, his ability to step onto the world stage and to work effectively (and equally) with people of varied cultures, backgrounds, and political persuasions should serve as a beacon for all leaders and an inspiration for all citizens. 

For our many Japan-Indiana colleagues who knew and interacted with Prime Minister Abe personally, you have my deepest condolences: a great friend has been lost to tragedy. For the rest of Indiana (and, indeed, the country), we’ve lost a world ambassador of the highest order, of boundless vision, and of utmost character. The man who persistently championed an “alliance of hope” – and who inspirationally conveyed to Congress that “the finest asset the U.S. has to give to the world was hope, is hope, will be, and must always be hope” shall be sorely missed. While we will never be able to comprehend the senseless act of violence that took his life, we may always remember what he did with that life – for the benefit of generations to come.

With profound sadness and deep respect,

Peter A. Morse, Jr.
ピーター A. モース, Jr.

Honorary Consul of Japan – Indiana