The President, the Taoiseach and leaders around the world have expressed their shock and sadness following the assassination of ex-premier of Japan Shinzo Abe.
Japan's Prime Minister Fumio Kishida said he was "lost for words", vowing that the country's democracy would "never yield to violence".
"I was praying that his life would be saved, but despite that, I came to learn of (his death)," a visibly emotional Mr Kishida told reporters.
"It is truly regrettable. I am lost for words. I offer my sincere condolences and prayers that his soul may rest in peace."
Mr Abe, Japan's longest-serving prime minister who stepped down in 2020 for health reasons, was shot dead while campaigning in Nara region ahead of Sunday's upper house election.
"During this election period, a despicable and barbaric act was committed, taking the life of former prime minister Abe. This is unforgivable. We condemn it once again in the strongest terms," Mr Kishida said.
Election activities will continue with "full and thorough measures" taken to ensure safety, added Mr Kishida, the leader of the ruling Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) of which Mr Abe was also a member.
"We must absolutely defend free and fair elections, which are the basis of democracy. We will proceed with our election campaign tomorrow as planned with the firm conviction that we will never yield to violence," he said.
Mr Abe "assumed a heavy responsibility as prime minister for eight years and eight months," the longest period in modern history, added Mr Kishida.
"He guided the country in the face of a difficult domestic and international situation through his outstanding leadership and executive ability."
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President Michael D Higgins expressed his "deep condolences" to the Emperor of Japan at the "appalling" murder of Shinzo Abe.
"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," he wrote in a letter to Tokyo's Imperial Palace.
In a letter to Emperor Naruhito, Mr Higgins paid tribute to Mr Abe, saying: "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."
The Taoiseach said he was "deeply saddened by the appalling death" of Mr Abe.
"He was a strong and committed democrat, and it is especially shocking that he was murdered while engaged in that most democratic of activities, campaigning ahead of an election," Micheál Martin said.
"Putting your arguments before an electorate and asking for their vote is at the very heart of what we believe in as democratic politicians," he added.
"The attack on former-PM Abe is therefore an attack on democracy itself. It is all the more shocking that it happened in a peace-loving country like Japan.," Mr Martin said.
"My most heartfelt and sincere sympathies are with the people of Japan, whom PM Abe served with such commitment and distinction; with Prime Minister Kishida and his colleagues across Government; and especially with Mr. Abe’s family," he added.
"On this very sad occasion, on behalf of the Government and people of Ireland, I extend our most profound condolences and solidarity," he concluded.
European Council president Charles Michel said he was "shocked and saddened by (the) cowardly attack" on Mr Abe.
Mr Abe was "a true friend, fierce defender of multilateral order & democratic values", Mr Michel tweeted.
"EU stands with people of Japan and (Prime Minister) Fumio Kishida in these difficult times. Profound sympathies to his family."
Shocked and saddened by cowardly attack on @AbeShinzo while performing his professional duties.
— Charles Michel (@CharlesMichel) July 8, 2022
A true friend, fierce defender of multilateral order & democratic values.
EU stands with people of 🇯🇵 and @kishida230 in these difficult times.
Profound sympathies to his family.
US President Joe Biden said he was "stunned, outraged, and deeply saddened" by the assassination of Japan's former prime minister Shinzo Abe, who was shot dead while delivering a campaign speech.
"This is a tragedy for Japan and for all who knew him," Mr Biden said in a statement. "Even at the moment he was attacked, he was engaged in the work of democracy.
"The United States stands with Japan in this moment of grief. I send my deepest condolences to his family."
British Prime Minister Boris Johnson said that Britain stood with Japan at this dark time following the "incredibly sad news" about the death of Mr Abe in a shooting.
"Incredibly sad news about Shinzo Abe," he said on Twitter.
"His global leadership through uncharted times will be remembered by many. My thoughts are with his family, friends and the Japanese people.
"The UK stands with you at this dark and sad time."
German Chancellor Olaf Scholz expressed shock and solidarity with Japan after the killing of Mr Abe.
"The deadly attack on Shinzo Abe has left me aghast and deeply sad," the German leader tweeted.
"I extend deep sympathy to his family, my colleague Fumio Kishida and our Japanese friends. We stand with
Japan has lost a great prime minister, French President Emmanuel Macron said in a tribute to Mr Abe.
"Japan has lost a great prime minister, who dedicated his life to his country and worked to ensure order in the world," Mr Macron said on Twitter.
