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In the recent presidential election, former President Donald Trump defeated Democratic Vice President Kamala Harris, securing his return to office.
Trump’s re-election has sparked widespread surprise not only in the United States but around the world. Yet this time, he may have had an unexpected “supporter” on his side: the late former Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe.
Of course, Abe himself had no direct involvement in the election. However, images and videos of him—known as the “Abe Meme”—circulated widely among Trump supporters on social media, becoming a kind of symbol that may have strengthened their unity.
But why has the former Japanese prime minister captured attention as an “unseen influence” in the spectacle of an American election?
Let’s take a moment to look back at who Shinzo Abe was and why his image has resonated with Trump supporters in this unusual way.
Shinzo Abe: A Leader Who Represented Japan
Name: Shinzo Abe
Date of Birth: September 21, 1954 – July 8, 2022 (Age 67)
Political Affiliation: Liberal Democratic Party (Abe Faction)
Terms as Prime Minister: September 26, 2006 – September 26, 2007; December 26, 2012 – September 16, 2020
Shinzo Abe (1954–2022) was Japan’s longest-serving postwar prime minister, known for his conservative policies and proactive diplomatic approach, which gave him a significant international presence.
Abe placed strong emphasis on strengthening Japan’s defense capabilities and deepening the U.S.-Japan alliance. He also advocated for a “Free and Open Indo-Pacific,” demonstrating strategic leadership in foreign policy.
His relationship with former President Donald Trump drew particular attention. Abe was one of the first world leaders to engage with Trump, building a rapport through golf diplomacy and close dialogue, solidifying a “friendship” that helped maintain strong U.S.-Japan ties.
This approach not only garnered Abe considerable support domestically and internationally, but it also resonated with Trump’s supporters, who saw Abe as a relatable ally.
On Instagram, comments from both Japan and the U.S. are still pouring in!
“Thank you Shinzo we couldn’t have done it without you.”
“America did it for you Shinzo 🇺🇸🤝🇯🇵”
The “Abe Meme” Makes a Comeback
Why is Shinzo Abe suddenly making waves as a “meme” in the 2024 U.S. presidential election?
What is the Abe Meme?
The Abe Meme consists of humorous or exaggerated images and videos featuring Shinzo Abe’s expressions or words, which were originally popular in Japan.
For example, jokes about his economic policy, “Abenomics,” and his trademark serious facial expressions became widely shared on social media as part of various parodies.
However, recently, Trump supporters in the U.S. have started embracing the “Abe Meme.”
Shinzo Abe, beloved in both Japan and the U.S., has inspired a variety of memes. What are some of these popular memes?
In the shooting incident involving President Trump
At the moment President Trump was shot, he narrowly avoided a direct hit by slightly turning his head, which resulted in only a minor ear injury.
But how did he manage to dodge the bullet at the last second?
Apparently, it was the voice of an old friend, Shinzo Abe, that he heard, prompting him to turn just in time.
While this may be a joke from overseas, it’s not entirely impossible, is it?
As the guardian of the presidential election
English : Shinzo Abe Becomes a Meme Abroad – International Reactions: ‘Shinzo Abe Led Trump to Victory,’ ‘America Will Never Forget the Abe-Trump Friendship,’ ‘RIP Shinzo Abe’
Other memes
A video clip of Shinzo Abe appearing to regurgitate food in reverse.
Why the “Abe Meme” Resonates with Trump Supporters
For Trump supporters, Shinzo Abe represents conservative values and is seen as a leader who built a friendly relationship with Trump, creating a sense of familiarity and admiration.
For example, on social media, images of Abe with messages like “Make Japan Great Again” and posts praising him as a symbol of the U.S.-Japan friendship can be found.
These images have become symbols within Trump’s base, sparking the creation of numerous memes.
Additionally, fictional scenarios and jokes—such as “Abe supports Trump”—have spread widely, with many Abe memes being shared on TikTok and X (formerly Twitter).
Abe has begun to take on a kind of charismatic “shadow supporter” role for Trump.
The Impact of Online Memes and Politics
The rise of the Abe meme is not just a joke—it’s functioning as a “tool” for sharing political messages.
In 2016, internet memes were said to have played a major role in supporting Trump’s campaign, and it’s been suggested that the “Abe meme” is playing a similar role in 2024.
Trump supporters are highly active online, with memes and jokes on social media helping to rally new support and strengthen unity.
Abe’s humorous and relatable memes have become a symbol for them, leading to discussions online about the hypothesis: “Could Shinzo Abe have been the unseen force behind Trump’s victory?”
This phenomenon symbolizes the complex intersection of internet culture and politics.
Conclusion
How much did the “Abe meme” actually influence Trump’s re-election? The truth is uncertain, but it’s clear that it captured the attention of certain segments of online supporters.
For a former Japanese prime minister to appear in this way in the context of an American election is unprecedented.
It’s a testament to how beloved Shinzo Abe was by people around the world.
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