Shinzo Abe: The PM, The Politician, The World Leader | IN PICS

Japan's former Prime Minister Shinzo Abe has died after being shot during a campaign speech.

Japanese former Prime Minister Shinzo Abe has died, public broadcaster NHK said on Friday. Abe, 67, was delivering a speech near a train station in Nara city when he was shot by an assailant. (AFP)

Earlier, local fire department official Makoto Morimoto told AP the 67-year-old was not breathing and his heart stopped while being airlifted to a hospital. (AFP))

A 41-year-old man Tetsuya Yamagami has been arrested on suspicion of attempted murder for shooting at Abe, reported Japanese media house NHK quoting police sources. (AFP)

Ex Japan PM Shinzo Abe was conferred with India's second highest civilian honour -- Padma Vibhushan -- for his exceptional and distinguished service in public affairs. (AFP File photo)

Shinzo Abe, Japan’s longest-serving Prime Minister, championed ambitious economic reform and forging key diplomatic relationships while weathering scandals. (AFP)

Abe, 67-year-old, was seen as a symbol of change and youth, but also brought the pedigree of a third-generation politician groomed from birth by an elite, conservative family. (AFP)

Abe took a hard line on North Korea, but sought a peacemaker role between the US and Iran. He prioritised a close personal relationship with Donald Trump in a bid to protect Japan's key alliance from the then-US president's "America First" mantra, and tried to mend ties with Russia and China. (AFP))

Abenomics, popular term used for schemes introduced by Shinzo Abe to revive Japan's economy. He pushed through consumption tax hikes to help finance nurseries and plug gaps in Japan's social security system. He also sought to boost the country's flagging birth rate by making workplaces more friendly to parents, particularly mothers. (AFP)

The political heavyweight, throughout his two tenures as Japan PM, weathered political storms but with his approach remained admired by many. (AFP)