During his two stints as Japanese prime minister, Shinzo Abe worked with four British counterparts—three during his second, record-setting term of almost eight years. After his announcement on 28 August that he would step down due to health reasons, Abe’s service was praised by British Prime Minister Boris Johnson, who said on his Twitter account the same day that Abe “has achieved great things as PM of Japan—for his country and the world. Under his stewardship the UK–Japan relationship has gone from strength to strength in trade, defence and our cultural links. Thank you for all your years of service and I wish you good health”.