Despite the questioning of recent weeks, today, before the doors opened, there was already a 600-meter-long queue of people waiting to say goodbye to the former prime minister assassinated in July. Kishida’s tribute. Almost 4,300 guests, 700 from abroad. The funeral cost taxpayers $11 million.
Tokyo () – In a tense environment due to the many controversies that have inflamed recent weeks, the long-awaited state funeral for former Prime Minister Shinzo Abe was held in Tokyo this afternoon, murdered in July during the last days of his electoral campaign. The ceremony took place at the Nippon Budokan stadium in the capital. 4,300 guests attended, 700 from abroad: among them were Kamala Harris, Narendra Modi, Matteo Renzi, Nicolas Sarkozy and the president of the Olympic Committee, Thomas Bach. For Japan, it is the first state funeral since 1967.
The current Prime Minister, Fumio Kishida, Abe’s party colleague for many years, delivered a very emotional speech: “One of the proudest achievements in my life is to have had the privilege of being part of your government, as Foreign Minister and as your close friend,” said Kishida, addressing the urn of the ashes of Abe. Behind him, other Japanese government officials and foreign dignitaries paid their respects. The emperor was not present due to his political neutrality, but he sent his own message.
Despite the state funeral, the Japanese government did not decree a day of national mourning, so private and public activities continued unabated. For many Japanese citizens, the figure of Abe remains very controversial. The funeral cost taxpayers about $11 million and divided the country: the majority was against it and a minority was for it.
For weeks, it happened protest rallies (numerically significant for Japan) on the streets of the government districts of Tokyo to demand the cancellation of the funeral. According to those present, the decision to honor Abe with a state funeral highlights the weakening of Japanese democracy, as the government made this decision without consulting parliament or the will of the people. just a week ago, a man tried to commit suicide by setting himself on fire in protest near the prime minister’s office.
It should be mentioned that in addition to the protesters, today there were also many Japanese in Tokyo who wanted express your condolences for the death of the former prime minister. In the park next to the stadium, the authorities organized a small commemorative altar where citizens could place a bouquet of flowers. When the doors opened, there was already a queue of 600 meters with people waiting to enter. The motivations of the Japanese to pay tribute to the former prime minister are many: interviewed by Asian NikkeiSome of those present said they approved of Abe’s desire to bolster the country’s defense and protect Japan. Others expressed their satisfaction with the results achieved with the Abenomics plan, considering that it revitalized the economy and lowered unemployment.
