Japan holds controversial state funeral for assassinated leader Shinzo Abe

 

 Japan bids farewell to former Prime Minister Shinzo Abe in an elaborate state funeral Tuesday, despite public opposition to the cost of the event as the country grapples with their late leader’s legacy.
Abe, Japan’s longest-serving prime minister, was shot dead during a campaign speech in Nara in July, stunning a nation where gun violence is extremely rare.
More than 4,300 guests are expected to attend the service at the Nippon Budokan Arena in Tokyo, including foreign dignitaries such as US Vice President Kamala Harris and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

According to the official program, Abe’s ashes will be carried into the venue, where Self-Defense Force (SDF) officers will carry out ceremonial rites such as an honor guard, gun salute, and musical performances.
Japanese leaders will then give memorial addresses and attendees will offer flowers before the government holds a reception for visiting foreign dignitaries.
Police have ramped up security, with public broadcaster NHK reporting that about 20,000 police officers will be deployed to keep the peace, as hundreds of people took to the streets to protest against the first state funeral for a Japanese leader in more than half a century.