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On August 8, 2018, Prime Minister Shinzo Abe held a press conference at the Prime Minister’s Office.
 
In regard to the passing of Mr. Masahiko Tsugawa, the Prime Minister said,
 
“I am deeply shocked to hear of Mr. Tsugawa’s sudden passing. I am filled with sadness and grief.
 
When I previously stepped down as Prime Minister, Mr. Tsugawa offered me truly warm encouragement, and continued to support me. I wish to once again express my sincere gratitude for that.
 
Mr. Tsugawa displayed his talents as an outstanding actor and director. I consider him to be a leading cineaste of the Showa and Heisei periods (1926 to 1989 and 1989 to the present, respectively). In particular, Mr. Tsugawa had a stately bearing and a tremendous on-screen presence, in his role as Tokugawa Ieyasu in a Taiga drama (Japanese period drama). I still vividly remember him in the drama.
 
At the same time, Mr. Tsugawa was a leading person of culture, representing Japan. For many years, he persistently advocated that the outstanding culture of Japan should be promoted around the world. Japonisme 2018, which is currently being held in Paris, would have been inconceivable without Mr. Tsugawa. It is truly thanks to his passion that we were able to hold such a grand event.
 
Mr. Tsugawa was also a man of deep insight, thanks to his broad knowledge, as well as a man with strong beliefs. For a long time, he volunteered himself wholeheartedly to work in cooperation with the Government to address the abduction issue. His passing is truly a great loss. I would like to express my heartfelt condolences.”