Japan is filled with tension, rather than sadness, on Tuesday as a rare state funeral for the assassinated former Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, one of the most divisive leader, deeply splits the nation.
Tokyo was under maximum security, with a large number of uniformed police mobilize around the Budokan hall, where the funeral is being held, and major train stations. Roads around the venue are closed throughout the day, and coin lockers at main stations were sealed for security.
Prime Minister Fumio Kishida has been criticized for forcing the costly event for Abe, who was assassinated in July, amid widening controversy about him and the governing party's decades-long cozy relations with the ultra-conservative Unification Church, accused of raking in huge donations by brainwashing adherents.The government says the funeral is not meant to force anyone to honor Abe.
About 1.7 billion yen is needed for the venue, security, transportation and accommodation for the guests, the government said. About 4,300 people, including Japanese lawmakers and foreign and local dignitaries, are attending the funeral. Government, parliamentary and judicial representatives, including Kishida, will make condolence speeches, followed by Akie Abe.
Protests of the funeral have increased as more details emerged about Abe's and LDP lawmakers' connection to the Unification Church. The South Korea-based church has built close ties with LDP lawmakers over shared interests in conservative causes.
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