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Japan is currently divided on the huge state funeral planned for former Prime Minister Shinzo Abe as people have been organising in protest of the event.
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Abe's state funeral
According to media reports, the event will cost around $12 million, and it will be attended by various top leaders from around the world.
(Photograph:AFP)
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Public reaction
However, the general public has expressed their anger regarding the cost as well as the connection that Abe’s Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) had with the Unification Church.
(Photograph:AFP)
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Economic hardships
Japan is currently experiencing economic hardships, and, in this situation, the exorbitant costs of the funeral has resulted in widespread protests.
(Photograph:AFP)
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Role of Unification Church
The state funeral was initially supported by the public but the revelation of the Unification Church’s role in Abe’s death shifted the public perception completely, according to Reuters.
(Photograph:AFP)
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Kishida struggling
The issue has also caused major damage to current Prime Minister Fumio Kishida’s approval ratings after a man set himself on fire in protest of the state funeral.