 "History Today: When former Japanese PM Shinzo Abe was assassinated")
It was one of the darkest days in Japan’s political horizon as former PM Shinzo Abe was assassinated on July 8, 2022. He was shot during a campaign speech in Japan’s Nara, shocking the entire world as well as the island nation.
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In 1497, Portuguese explorer Vasco da Gama set sail to find a direct route to India. The iconic newspaper The Wall Street Journal was established on this day in 1889.
Here are some of the historical events that occurred on this day.
Former Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe was assassinated
The people of Nara, Western Japan were listening to former Prime Minister Shinzo Abe speak during a political campaign speech on July 8, 2022. But, the peaceful day turned horrific for the spectators as well as the former prime minister.
He was shot from behind with a homemade firearm by Tetsuya Yamagami , a 41-year-old former member of the Maritime Self-Defense Force, in broad daylight while addressing voters ahead of the upper house elections. Abe, Japan’s longest-serving prime minister, was rushed to the hospital with severe injuries to his heart and neck. Despite extensive medical efforts, he was pronounced dead at age 67. The attack marked a rare instance of political violence in Japan, a country known for its strict gun control laws and low crime rate.
The suspect told investigators he held a grudge against a religious group, believed to be the Unification Church, which he claimed had bankrupted his family. He alleged Abe had ties to the group, although there was no indication Abe was directly involved. The killing reignited national conversations on gun control, political security and the influence of religious organisations on politics.
His assassination led to widespread mourning across Japan and international condemnation. Tributes poured in from global leaders recognising Abe’s leadership and vision. A state funeral was held in Tokyo, drawing dignitaries from around the world.
Vasco Da Gama’s First Voyage To India
One of the most historic feats took place on this day in 1497 when the Portuguese explorer Vasco da Gama embarked on his first voyage to India. This journey forever changed global trade and exploration. Commanding a fleet of four ships, da Gama was tasked by King Manuel I to find a direct maritime route to India, bypassing the overland routes controlled by Arab and Venetian merchants.
The voyage marked the culmination of decades of Portuguese exploration along the West African coast. With the guidance of prior navigators like Bartolomeu Dias, who had reached the Cape of Good Hope in 1488, da Gama’s fleet followed the African coastline, rounded the Cape and ventured into uncharted waters.
In May 1498, after a gruelling journey of over 10 months, the expedition reached Calicut (present-day Kozhikode) on the Malabar Coast of India. There, da Gama encountered a thriving port city, central to the spice trade. However, his reception was mixed. While the Portuguese were allowed to trade, their goods were considered inferior and cultural misunderstandings complicated relations with local rulers and merchants.
Still, the voyage was a monumental success. Vasco da Gama returned to Lisbon in 1499, his ships loaded with spices like pepper and cinnamon, commodities that were highly valued in Europe. His journey proved that Europe could reach India by sea, opening the door for centuries of European colonial and commercial expansion in Asia.
Wall Street Journal published for the first time
The first publication of The Wall Street Journal hit the stands in New York City on July 8, 1889. This marked the birth of one of the most influential financial newspapers in the world. Founded by Charles Dow, Edward Jones and Charles Bergstresser, the publication was created to provide honest, concise and timely financial news for investors and business professionals.
Before launching the newspaper, Dow and Jones had already established Dow Jones & Company and had begun circulating the Customer’s Afternoon Letter, a short two-page financial news bulletin distributed to Wall Street traders. The Wall Street Journal evolved from this letter into a more formal daily publication priced at two cents per copy.
From its very beginning, the Journal distinguished itself with a commitment to factual, no-nonsense reporting backed by Charles Dow. With a focus on objective information over rhetoric, the newspaper quickly earned respect and a growing readership. The paper was initially focused almost exclusively on stock market listings and financial news but gradually expanded its scope to include broader economic and even political coverage as the 20th century progressed.
This Day, This Year
On this day in 2011, the orbiter Atlantis was launched on the last space shuttle mission.
The British pop band the Spice Girls released their debut single, Wannabe on this day in 1996.
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