The world is in shock after the terrible news about Japan's former prime minister Shinzo Abe's demise was circulated Friday morning. Initially, the Japanese government confirmed that Abe had been shot in the western region of Nara.

Shinzo Abe shot dead: Chinese hail attacker as 'hero' and celebrate the shocking attack? Know here why

US President Donald Trump on Friday paid his "highest respect" to Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe and voiced concern over his "great friend" resigning for health reasons.

Trump pays 'highest respect' to resigning Japanese Prime Minister Abe

Shinzo Abe is the longest serving Prime Minister of Japan. He is the man who has shaped the destiny of Japan for the better part of this decade is resigning from the Prime Minister's office due to health reasons.

Shinzo Abe: A successful story of a successful leader

Japan's Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, 66, resigned today over health concerns. In Pics: Possible successors stack up as Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe resigns Shinzo Abe had earlier made two trips to the hospital amid speculation over his health.

Japan Prime Minister Shinzo Abe resigns over health concerns

Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe has visited hospital twice in the past two weeks, and that has sparked concerns and rumours about his health. To add to the rumours, three anonymous sources, close to the PM, have revealed that Abe will be consulting a team of doctors once, before facing the media for a conference due to be held on Friday.

Japanese PM Shinzo Abe to consult doctors before facing media on Friday

Japan PM Shinzo Abe visited hospital twice within a week. Abe is suffering from incurable ulcerative coli. 2007 Bowel illness forced Abe to step down as PM. Shinzo Abe is Japan's longest serving PM.

Shinzo Abe returns to hospital after a week of 7 hr health check up