The Japanese embassy in Ireland will open a book of condolence on Monday and Tuesday in honour of its former prime minister, Shinzo Abe, who has been assassinated.
The embassy, based in the Merrion Centre in Nutley Lane, Dublin 4, has flown its flag at half mast since Mr Abe died on Friday.
The book of condolence will be opened from 2pm to 4.30pm on Monday and from 9.30am to 4.30pm on Tuesday.
The Japanese ambassador to Ireland Mitsuru Kitano said he was deeply shocked by the “heinous crime” as Japan does not have a history of gun violence.
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[ Assassination of Shinzo Abe shocks a nearly gun-free JapanOpens in new window ]
[ Body of Shinzo Abe returns to Tokyo as Japan mourns former leader’s deathOpens in new window ]
“We have a very stringent gun control mechanism. We do not hear this kind of politically motivated gun shooting. It is something that we have not heard before. It is a big shock for us,” he said.
“It happened at the time of an election campaign which is the basis of democracy. We are expecting the general election of our upper house. It was while he was campaigning that this heinous act happened. It has no place in the world and should not be accepted.
“It is an unacceptable criminal act. The Japanese government condemns this in the strongest possible terms.”
Mr Kitano said Mr Abe had helped Japanese-Irish relations by becoming the first leader of Japan to visit Ireland, which he did in 2013.
President Michael D Higgins has written to the emperor of Japan expressing his condolences.
The President told Emperor Naruhito that Mr Abe was held in “particularly high regard” in Ireland because of his 2013 visit.
Mr Higgins said he and his wife Sabina met Mr Abe and his wife, Akie.
“My thoughts turn regularly to Mrs Abe and her family, for whom this constitutes such a dreadful loss. May they find strength in the difficult days ahead,” the President said.
Mr Abe had made a “fundamental contribution to political life in one of the world’s most important democracies”, he added.
“The fact that he fell victim to this most brutal of crimes whilst actively engaging in Japan’s democratic process of political choice makes today’s events all the more appalling. This was not only an attack on an individual statesman but also on the democratic process of your state.
“In this moment of darkness, we all take comfort in reflecting upon Mr Abe’s distinguished career in public service in Japan, which spans the period both before and after your ascension to the Chrysanthemum Throne.
“Please know also, your majesty, that Ireland and the Irish people share your sorrow and offer solidarity with you and the citizens of Japan, whom we count among our most long-standing friends and like-minded partners.”
Tánaiste Leo Varadkar tweeted: “Shocked and saddened at the assassination of Shinzo Abe. I had the honour of meeting him on a number of occasions, including his visit to Ireland in 2013, he was a real gentleman and a true democrat. My thoughts are with his family, his friends and the people of Japan today.”
