As the Japanese community of Australia slowly comes to terms with the loss of Mr Abe, many have expressed their gratitude for the support they have received from the Australian community.
Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese described Mr Abe as a "" and other leaders also spoke of the close friendship between Australia and Japan.
Highlights
- Major landmarks around Australia were lit up to honour Shinzo Abe
- Japan's former prime minister was shot during a campaign event and later died
- The Japanese community of Australia has expressed gratitude at the showing of solidarity
On Sunday night, the Sydney Opera House was lit up in the red and white of the Japanese hinomaru (national flag) in honour of Mr Abe, who died on Friday after being shot during a campaign event in Nara.
Australia-Japan Youth Dialogue delegate Iori Forsyth said the projection was "a testament to Mr Abe's significant contributions towards the close friendship that Australia and Japan enjoy today".
The Sails of Sydney Opera House were lit up with the Japanese hinomaru in honour of the late Shinzo Abe, 10 July 2022 Source: Yusuke Oba
"As present and emerging leaders, we will strive to further build upon the strong bilateral relations he has led us to," she told SBS Japanese.
Masahiko Kiya, Consul-General of Japan in Sydney, who was present at the Sydney Opera House on Sunday night, said he was "deeply moved" by the gesture.
"It is when we are coming to terms with profound loss and sorrow that we recognise the strength in our enduring friendships," Mr Kiya said.
On Saturday night, a day after Mr Abe's passing, major landmarks of Melbourne were also lit up in red and white.
Toshihiko Ijuin, a Melbourne-based photographer, told SBS Japanese, "I have seen Flinders Station thousands and thousands of times, but the sight of it lit up in red and white was the most beautiful I have ever seen it."
Mr Ijuin said strangers offered kind words and even hugs as he tried to capture the station lit in the national colours of Japan.
Melbourne's Flinders Station was lit up in red and white in honour of the late Shinzo Abe Source: Toshihiko Ijuin /Toshi GraphiX
"I felt the kindness and warmth of many Australians, which helped ease my sadness and pain a little. I was truly glad to have gone out that day."
In Brisbane, landmarks including the Story Bridge, City Hall and Victoria Bridge were lit up.
Taka Uematsu, a Brisbane-based writer, told SBS Japanese, "Prime Minister Abe contributed greatly to the deepening of Japan-Australia relations."
Brisbane's Story Bridge was lit up in honor of the late Shinzo Abe Source: Taka Uematsu
"[The lighting up] reminded me once again of the magnitude of his presence."
In Adelaide, landmarks including the Parliament House and the Adelaide Oval were lit up, while the Government House flew the Japanese flag.
Noriko Tadano, an Adelaide-based shamisen (traditional Japanese three-stringed instrument) artist, said the lighting up of landmarks brought "a great sense of relief " at such a time of loss.
"It was a great reminder of Australia's mourning for Japan, which made it even more moving."
Ambassador of Japan to Australia Mr Shingo Yamagami tweeted that the lighting up of landmarks all over Australia was a "gracious act of goodwill and friendship".
He said the displays "lit up life in Japan, and gave hope to carry on at this difficult time".
The Embassy of Japan in Canberra and the Consulates-General in Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane and Perth will open a Book of Condolences for the public from 11 to 12 July. For specific times, please refer to each of the offices below.
Listen to SBS Japanese Radio on Tue, Thu and Sat from 10pm
