The leaders of at least two Japanese opposition parties have said they will also stay away.Ī state-funded celebration of Abe's life was bound to be divisive and his critics argue the heavily indebted government could better spend its money elsewhere. The Emperor won't be present and is likely to be represented by his younger brother, the Crown Prince, the Mainichi newspaper said. Other possible guests include US Vice President Kamala Harris and former US President Barack Obama, according to broadcaster NHK. ANN and other news outlets have reported that Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau will be the sole sitting Group of Seven state leader to attend. The premier said the event would "show our determination not to bend to violence and to firmly uphold democracy." Kishida told a news conference last week that a state funeral would also show the nation's appreciation for the global tributes paid to Abe, who remained influential after stepping down amid health problems two years ago.ĭetails of the order of ceremonies have not yet been released, but as many as 6,000 people are expected to attend the ceremony at the Budokan in Tokyo, according to the Nikkei newspaper. Kishida announced plans for the state funeral - the first for a former premier since 1967 - less than a week later, with much of the nation still in mourning. The July 8 shooting of Japan's longest-serving prime minister shocked a nation that hadn't seen such a high-profile political assassination in nearly 90 years. Here's how Kishida's attempt to build unity in the wake of Abe's death unraveled:
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