Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe says he steps down due to his health. Some key dates in his life and career:
September 21, 1954 — Shinzo Abe is born to parents who both came from political families, and his father, Shintaro Abe, later became foreign minister.
1977 — Graduated from Seikei University in Tokyo.
1979 — Starts working at Kobe Steel.
1993 — First elected as legislator from the southwestern prefecture of Yamaguchi.
2005 — Appointed chief Cabinet secretary under Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi.
2006 — Is elected leader of the governing Liberal Democratic party, making him prime minister.
2007 — Resigns as prime minister, citing health reasons.
2012 — Starts his second stint as prime minister.
2013 — Embarks on his “Abenomics” policies to encourage growth through easy lending and structural reforms.
2017 and 2019 — Holds meetings with US President Donald Trump, including golfing.
August 24, 2020 — Becomes Japan's longest-serving prime minister by consecutive days in office, surpassing his great uncle.
August 28, 2020 — Abe announces he will step down, citing health reasons.
(With PTI inputs)
