The state funeral of Shinzo Abe, who was assassinated in July while campaigning, was held Tuesday under blue skies and tight security.
Abe’s divisive legacy was manifest on the streets of Tokyo, in displays of both public mourning and protest. At points, the marches of anti-state funeral protesters passed alongside the long line of mourners who were queuing to pay their respects near the iconic Nippon Budokan arena.
The official ceremony, attended by thousands, was a mix of state-sanctioned pomp and personal sorrow. Abe’s widow, Akie, arrived at the Budokan carrying his cremation urn, which was placed by an honor guard on the massive flower-covered altar.
Here is a selection of scenes from the day when Japan said farewell to its longest-running prime minister.
People line up along a street near Nippon Budokan to leave flowers and sign a condolence book ahead of the state funeral for former Prime Minister Shinzo Abe. | AFP-JIJI
A protester is surrounded by police near the Nippon Budokan ahead of the state funeral | AFP-JIJI
Mourners offer flowers at an altar outside Nippon Budokan. | REUTERS
A visitor prays in front of the altar outside the Budokan | REUTERS
A woman cries during an interview near the funeral venue | AFP-JIJI
People pray as they leave flowers in memory of former Prime Minister Shinzo Abe. | AFP-JIJI
About 20,000 police officers were mobilized for the state funeral. | BLOOMBERG
Protesters carrying a banner protesting the state funeral | AFP-JIJI
An aerial view of the protest rally in front of the parliament building on Tuesday | POOL / VIA KYODO
Protesters carrying placards rally against the state funeral. | AFP-JIJI
Police officers stand guard as protesters rally outside the parliament building in Nagatacho. | REUTERS
Protesters demonstrate outside the parliament building. | REUTERS
Thomas Bach, president of the International Olympic Committee | POOL / VIA REUTERS
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi (left) and Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese | POOL / VIA REUTERS
U.S. Vice President Kamala Harris | POOL / VIA REUTERS
Members of the Ground Self-Defense Force perform a 19-gun salute prior to the ceremony's commencement. | POOL / VIA KYODO
A portrait of former Prime Minister Shinzo Abe hangs above the stage during the state funeral. | POOL / VIA REUTERS
Honor guard in formation during the state funeral | POOL / VIA REUTERS
Akie Abe carries the urn containing her husband's ashes, as she walks behind Prime Minister Fumio Kishida. | POOL / VIA REUTERS
Former Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga, who also served as Abe's chief Cabinet secretary during his second term | AFP-JIJI
Crown Princess Kiko and Crown Prince Akishino | POOL / VIA AFP-JIJI
Former prime ministers Junichiro Koizumi (left) and Yoshiro Mori | POOL / VIA AFP-JIJI
U.S. Vice President Kamala Harris and other officials place flowers in front of the funeral altar | POOL / VIA REUTERS
Guests during the state funeral ceremony. Many opposition lawmakers chose not to attend in protest. | POOL / VIA AFP-JIJI
Akie Abe wipes away tears during the state funeral of her husband. | POOL / VIA REUTERS
Prime Minister Fumio Kishida bows after laying flowers on the funeral altar. | POOL / VIA REUTERS
KEYWORDS
In a time of both misinformation and too much information, quality journalism is more crucial than ever. By subscribing, you can help us get the story right.
With your current subscription plan you can comment on stories. However, before writing your first comment, please create a display name
in the Profile section of your subscriber account page.
Your subscription plan doesn't allow commenting. To learn more see our FAQ
With your current subscription plan you can comment on stories. However, before writing your first comment, please create a display name in the Profile section of your subscriber account page.