Abe state funeral being eyed for September 27
Baku, July 20, AZERTAC
The Japanese government is finalizing arrangements to hold a state funeral for former Prime Minister Abe Shinzo on September 27 at Nippon Budokan in Tokyo, according to NHK World-Japan.
Abe was fatally shot in Nara City, western Japan, on July 8 while making a campaign speech for a candidate in the Upper House election.
Prime Minister Kishida Fumio had announced earlier that the government would hold a state funeral for Abe in the autumn.
Kishida cited Abe's achievements in domestic politics and diplomacy as reasons for holding a state-sponsored funeral.
Details of the ceremony will be decided taking into account the wishes of Abe's family and diplomatic itineraries.
The government will consult with the ruling parties before seeking Cabinet approval for the funeral.
Abe will be Japan's second former prime minister to be given a state funeral since the end of World War Two. The first was for Yoshida Shigeru, who died in 1967.
Some opposition lawmakers have said they are against holding a state funeral for Abe and have concerns about doing so.
The government says it will further explain to the public why it believes Abe should be mourned in such a manner.
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