Bill Emmott: Abe bows out, leaving Japan better prepared for a more independent role

As Japan's prime minister, Shinzo Abe steps down, he leaves his country poised to steer a foreign policy far more independent of the US than heretofore, writes Bill Emmott

Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe downs his head as he says he is stepping down during a press conference at the prime minister official residence in Tokyo Friday, Aug. 28, 2020. (Shohei Miyano/Kyodo News via AP)

Shinzo Abe’s sudden resignation on health grounds ends the tenure of Japan’s longest-serving prime minister. 

The country’s most internationally recognised statesman since 1945, Abe has been, among other things, the world leader most keen on playing golf with US president Donald Trump.