Japan bids farewell to late former Prime Minister Shinzo Abe today as its holds a state funeral for the former statesman.
The surrounding streets of Budokan where the state funeral will take place have been closed since early this morning and there are many police officers around – some of whom came from other parts of Japan.
More than 700 foreign guests have flown in for the event, including about 50 current or former state leaders.
Dignitaries include US Vice President Kamala Harris, India’s PM Narendra Modi, Singapore’s PM Lee Hsien Loong, Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, Vietnamese President Nguyen Xuan Phuc, South Korean Prime Minister Han Duck-soo, Philippines Vice President Sara Duterte-Carpio, Indonesia Vice President Ma’ruf Amin, and European Council President Charles Michel.
The military has performed the cannons fire 19-gun salute for slain ex-PM. A stream of people have come to pay their respects to Abe.
Here are some pictures so far of the mourning crowds:
Thousands are seated in the arena. A military band has begun playing a dirge as the senior Japanese dignitaries walked in.
His widow Akie Abe arrived at the Budokan venue carrying his ashes, which were covered in a ceremonial cloth.
The motorcade carrying his remains had travelled from his widow’s home in the capital.
Prime Minister Fumio Kishida received the ashes, which appear to be contained in a ceremonial box.
He then formally handed it to military officers who placed the box in the centre of the altar, set up at the front of the room.
The current prime minister, Fumio Kishida, delivered an eulogy to Abe. Kishida spoke of Abe’s significant and incomparable legacy.
He said he rushed to Mr Abe’s side immediately after the shooting. “Why did your life have to be taken away in such a tragic way when you were so indispensable to us?”
“Abe-san, your life should’ve been much, much longer. You were needed for much, much longer. You’ve worked tirelessly and exhausted all your energy for both Japan and the world,” he said.
In what was at times a very personal tribute, Kishida also praised Abe’s temperament and generosity towards others. He then wrapped up a written prayer in a white paper envelope and placed that on the altar.
Former PM Suga worked closely with Abe, in his prime ministerial team for more than seven years.
In his speech he praised Abe’s achievements as a politician – in relations with North Korea and spearheading a campaign calling for the return of abducted Japanese people.
He also noted Abe’s leadership on foreign policy deals like the Trans-Pacific Partnership.”Thank you so much for all you have done. May you rest in peace.”
Representatives from Japan’s Imperial Family offered prayers and tributes.
Dressed in mourning black, several members – including Fumihito, Crown Prince of Japan, and Kiko, Crown Princess Akishino – approached the altar where they lay flowers.
Mr Abe’s immediate family, including his wife Akie, remained seated in the front row.
Here are some moments from earlier on:
Japan’s former prime minister Shinzo Abe died in a hospital after he was shot at a political campaign event in July this year.
Abe was shot at twice while he was giving a speech on a street in the city of Nara on Friday morning.
Source: BBC