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Meet Akie Abe, Shinzo Abe’s widow and beloved first lady of Japan: not like other PM’s wives, the former radio DJ opened her own izakaya, posted Instagram PDA and supported LGBT rights

STORYJillian Carpio
Akie Abe, widow of Japan’s former prime minister Shinzo Abe, is known for doing things differently. Photo: Paul Yeung
Akie Abe, widow of Japan’s former prime minister Shinzo Abe, is known for doing things differently. Photo: Paul Yeung
Fame and celebrity

  • When Akie Abe became Japan’s first lady, she truly broke the mould: not only did she open her own izakaya, but she was a radio DJ and partied at Tokyo Pride
  • Tasked with entertaining Melania Trump on her visit to Tokyo, she also partnered with Michelle Obama on the Let Girls Learn project and was a proponent of Womenomics

It’s been a week since the death of Japan’s longest-serving prime minister, Shinzo Abe. The country is still reeling from his assassination, and currently taking time to commemorate his numerous contributions – among them, helping to revive Japan’s economy in 2012 through his Abenomics policies, winning the Tokyo Olympics, and building alliances with even the most temperamental of US presidents, Donald Trump.
Akie Abe, wife of former prime minister Shinzo Abe, accompanies her husband’s body as it leaves Zojoji temple after his funeral in Tokyo, on July 12. Photo: Kyodo News via AP
Akie Abe, wife of former prime minister Shinzo Abe, accompanies her husband’s body as it leaves Zojoji temple after his funeral in Tokyo, on July 12. Photo: Kyodo News via AP

Having worked tirelessly for the country for so long, it should come as no surprise that Shinzo’s wife, Akie Abe, has been just as impressive in her contributions to Japan. Unlike some previous prime minister’s wives, she took a truly hands-on approach to her role, and forever secured her place as one of the country’s most beloved first ladies.

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Shinzo Abe and his wife Akie weren’t afraid of the limelight, and both made themselves visible to their public. Photo: Kyodo News via AP
Shinzo Abe and his wife Akie weren’t afraid of the limelight, and both made themselves visible to their public. Photo: Kyodo News via AP

In 2014, the Japan Times wrote: “Japan has never had a first lady like this. Whoever even knew who the first lady was?” – an indication that previous prime minister’s spouses barely registered in the national consciousness until Akie came along.

So, what do we know about Akie Abe, and why is she so unique?

She was born to a prominent Japanese family

Akie Abe’s father ran one of the country’s largest confectionery companies. Photo: Paul Yeung
Akie Abe’s father ran one of the country’s largest confectionery companies. Photo: Paul Yeung

Before she became Akie Abe, she was known as Akie Matsuzaki. She was born to a wealthy family, and her father was the president of Morinaga & Co., one of Japan’s largest confectionery companies.

Both Akie Abe and Shinzo Abe posted regularly on their Instagram pages – proving they weren’t like those that had gone before them. Photo: @akieabe/Instagram
Both Akie Abe and Shinzo Abe posted regularly on their Instagram pages – proving they weren’t like those that had gone before them. Photo: @akieabe/Instagram

The Straits Times reported that Akie enjoyed a privileged upbringing, and studied at exclusive Catholic schools in Tokyo before graduating from Sacred Heart Professional Training College. She later earned her master’s degree from Rikkyo University in 2011.

She’s had numerous jobs, including as a radio DJ