United States Vice President Kamala Harris held a meeting Wednesday with Japanese business executives involved in the semiconductor industry for a discussion on increasing investment in US semiconductor manufacturing, strengthening semiconductor supply chains, and bolstering cooperation on semiconductor research and development.

US VP Kamala Harris meets Business Executives of Japanese chip firms in Tokyo

US Vice-President Kamala Harris will attend former Japanese prime minister Shinzo Abe's funeral on Tuesday (September 27) in Tokyo. She also had a meeting with Japan's Prime Minister Fumio Kishida on Monday to reaffirm the US-Japan alliance.

Kamala Harris Asia Tour: US VP Kamala Harris to attend Shinzo Abe's state funeral in Japan

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi will depart for Tokyo on Monday evening to attend the state funeral of former Japanese PM Shinzo Abe, scheduled on Tuesday. During his visit, PM Modi will also hold bilateral meeting with his Japanese counterpart Fumio Kishida.

WION Dispatch: Indian PM Modi to fly to Tokyo to attend Shinzo Abe's funeral

US Vice-President Kamala Harris met with Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida soon after arriving in Tokyo. Harris is set to attend former Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe’s funeral on Tuesday.

Kamala Harris Asia Tour: US VP Harris holds talks with Japan's PM Fumio Kishida

Japan is holding a rare state funeral on Tuesday for Shinzo Abe, the assassinated former prime minister, amid a raging controversy over its cost which some estimate to be bigger than the funeral of Queen Elizabeth II. His association with Unification Church, which was said to be the motive of the killer, is equally controversial. Critics of the government accuse the church of having an oversize influence over the ruling party.

Several world leaders including US Vice President Kamala Harris and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi are attending the funeral of Abe, who was 67 when he was killed.

The longest serving prime minister of Japan was delivering a speech in western Nara city when he was shot dead on July 8 in broad day light by Tetsuya Yamagami, using a homemade gun. Abe was shot in the back. Abe was supporting a Liberal Democratic Party candidate's election campaign. He collapsed at around 11.30 am, was taken to hospital but could not be saved.

Who is the killer?

Tetsuya Yamagami was immediately taken into custody after the shooting for&nbsp;attempted&nbsp;murder.

According to Fuji TV, Shinzo Abe's shooter is former personnel of Japan’s Maritime Self-Defence Force. He had been in the service till 2005. However, officials are yet to make an official announcement.

Later reports said that the killer was dissatisfied with Abe as he promoted Unification Church, to which his mother had donated large sums of money, which reportedly left the family broke.

 
Shinzo Abe's career

Born in 1954, Abe was the Prime Minister of Japan from 2006 to 2007 and from 2012 to 2020.

Abe held the crucial posts of Chief Cabinet Secretary and leader of the opposition in his illustrious career. Abe's career in public life began in 1993 when he was elected to the House of Representatives.

Abe is ideologically inclined towards conservatism. He had been described by commentators as a right-wing Japanese nationalist. He was a member of Nippon Kaigi, a group that denies several key aspects of Japanese history, including the recruitment of 'comfort women' during World War 2.&nbsp;

In August 2020, Shinzo Abe had to resign as the prime minister of Japan due to ulcerative colitis.

(With inputs from agencies)

WATCH WION LIVE HERE

<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1" width="100%"></iframe>

&nbsp;

Japan is holding a rare state funeral on Tuesday for Shinzo Abe, the assassinated former prime minister, amid a raging controversy over its cost which some estimate to be bigger than the funeral of Queen Elizabeth II.

Japan is holding a rare state funeral on Tuesday for Shinzo Abe, the assassinated former prime minister, amid a raging controversy over its cost which some estimate to be bigger than the funeral of Queen Elizabeth II. His association with Unification Church, which was said to be the motive of the killer, is equally controversial. Critics of the government accuse the church of having an oversize influence over the ruling party. Several world leaders including US Vice President Kamala Harris and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi are attending the funeral of Abe, who was 67 when he was killed. The longest serving prime minister of Japan was delivering a speech in western Nara city when he was shot dead on July 8 in broad day light by Tetsuya Yamagami, using a homemade gun. Abe was shot in the back. Abe was supporting a Liberal Democratic Party candidate's election campaign. He collapsed at around 11.30 am, was taken to hospital but could not be saved. Who is the killer? Tetsuya Yamagami was immediately taken into custody after the shooting for attempted murder. According to Fuji TV, Shinzo Abe's shooter is former personnel of Japan’s Maritime Self-Defence Force. He had been in the service till 2005. However, officials are yet to make an official announcement. Later reports said that the killer was dissatisfied with Abe as he promoted Unification Church, to which his mother had donated large sums of money, which reportedly left the family broke. Shinzo Abe's career Born in 1954, Abe was the Prime Minister of Japan from 2006 to 2007 and from 2012 to 2020. Abe held the crucial posts of Chief Cabinet Secretary and leader of the opposition in his illustrious career. Abe's career in public life began in 1993 when he was elected to the House of Representatives. Abe is ideologically inclined towards conservatism. He had been described by commentators as a right-wing Japanese nationalist. He was a member of Nippon Kaigi, a group that denies several key aspects of Japanese history, including the recruitment of 'comfort women' during World War 2. In August 2020, Shinzo Abe had to resign as the prime minister of Japan due to ulcerative colitis. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE

Shinzo Abe, the assassinated ex-PM of Japan, whose rare state funeral is causing a furore

Longest serving Prime Minister Shinzo Abe had his State funeral today. Abe's ashes were placed in the center of proceedings for guests to pay their respects that was followed by a guard of honour with 19 rounds of cannon fire around 20,000 policemen were deployed around the venue.

Japan: State funeral for Shinzo Abe in Tokyo, cost around $12 million

From Japan's former PM Shinzo Abe's funeral to Rosh Hashanah holiday in Jerusalem, here are some impactful images from around the world on 27 September 2022.

World in Pictures: Japan's former PM Shinzo Abe's funeral; Rosh Hashanah holiday in Jerusalem

A state funeral for Japan's former PM Shinzo Abe has upset Japanese citizens. Thousands are protesting on the streets of Tokyo to make Japan's govt call off the ceremony. Why? Because it's going to cost $11.4 Million. Molly Gambhir tells you more. 

Gravitas: Japanese citizens protest against 'lavish funeral' for Shinzo Abe

Japan is honoring its longest serving prime minister Shinzo Abe. World leaders and official figures in Japan have gathered for the rare state funeral organized for the former Japanese prime minister.

PM Fumio Kishida defends decision to honor Shinzo Abe with rare state funeral

Japan on Tuesday fired cannons to commemorate assassinated former Prime Minister Shinzo Abe at the first state funeral for a former premier in 55 years.

Japan fires cannons to honour assassinated Former PM Shinzo Abe

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi meets Japanese PM Fumio Kishida as Japan is honoring its longest serving former Prime Minister Shinzo Abe with the rare state funeral. Both the leaders hold bilateral talks on renewing and deepening ties.

Indian PM Modi and his counterpart Fumio Kishida renew commitment towards deepening ties

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi is in Japan to attend the state funeral of former PM Shinzo Abe. On the sidelines of his visit, Prime Minister Modi held bilateral talks with his Japanese counterpart Fumio Kishida during the talks Prime Minister Modi expressed his condolences on the demise of Abe who was Japan's longest serving prime minister he also highlighted Abe's contributions to strengthening India Japan partnership.

'India is missing 'Abe-San' says Indian PM Narendra Modi as he condoles Shinzo Abe's death

Japan&nbsp;bid farewell to former prime minister Shinzo Abe with a state funeral that has caused a massive controversy around the country. Abe was assassinated during a campaign rally on July 8 and his death has revealed a deep connection between the ruling Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) and the Unification Church – a issue that has led to widespread protests in Japan.

Reigning PM Fumio Kishida has also felt the burden of the recent controversies as his popularity has taken a hit and the decision to hold a state funeral for Abe has also not gone down well.

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With Japan going through an economic crisis at the moment, a number of people have strongly opposed the plan to hold the state funeral at an expense of around $11.5 million. This will be the first state funeral held in Japan since 1967 and it has led to a number of protests in the past few days.

However, Reuters reported that around 4,300 people were expected to attend the state funeral with leaders from around the world also reaching Japan. Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and United States Vice President Kamala Harris will be the biggest names in attendance.

Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau cancelled at the last moment due to Hurricane Fiona.

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According to media reports, Abe’s ashes will be carried to the venue with the general public offering flowers at designated places. He will also be honoured with 19 rounds from a cannon.

The police have deployed huge number of personnel all around Tokyo to ensure safety for all major leaders and a number of roads and schools will remain shut during the ceremony.

<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" loading="”lazy”" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1" width="100%"></iframe>

Japan bid farewell to former prime minister Shinzo Abe with a state funeral that has caused a massive controversy around the country. Abe was assassinated during a campaign rally on July 8 and his death has revealed a deep connection between the ruling Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) and the Unification Church – a issue that has led to widespread protests in Japan.

Japan bid farewell to former prime minister Shinzo Abe with a state funeral that has caused a massive controversy around the country. Abe was assassinated during a campaign rally on July 8 and his death has revealed a deep connection between the ruling Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) and the Unification Church – a issue that has led to widespread protests in Japan. Reigning PM Fumio Kishida has also felt the burden of the recent controversies as his popularity has taken a hit and the decision to hold a state funeral for Abe has also not gone down well. Also read | Cuba legalises same-sex marriages in landmark referendum With Japan going through an economic crisis at the moment, a number of people have strongly opposed the plan to hold the state funeral at an expense of around $11.5 million. This will be the first state funeral held in Japan since 1967 and it has led to a number of protests in the past few days. However, Reuters reported that around 4,300 people were expected to attend the state funeral with leaders from around the world also reaching Japan. Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and United States Vice President Kamala Harris will be the biggest names in attendance. Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau cancelled at the last moment due to Hurricane Fiona. Also read | Thousands of Russians flee to Georgia amid Putin's mobilisation announcement According to media reports, Abe’s ashes will be carried to the venue with the general public offering flowers at designated places. He will also be honoured with 19 rounds from a cannon. The police have deployed huge number of personnel all around Tokyo to ensure safety for all major leaders and a number of roads and schools will remain shut during the ceremony.

Japan bids farewell to ex-PM Shinzo Abe with controversial state funeral

Japan's factory activity growth hit a 20-month low in September, as firms struggled with a global slowdown and pressure from high energy and raw material prices that was exacerbated by a weak yen.

Japan's factory activity expansion slows down

IN PICS | Why state funeral of ex-Japan PM Shinzo Abe has resulted in protests

Ahead of former Prime Minister Shinzo Abe’s state funeral, a former diplomat, now dismissed after Myanmar’s military took over, criticised Japan for inviting the head of the Myanmar Embassy in Tokyo.&nbsp;

According to Japan Times, Aung Soe Moe said that inviting Myanmar's incumbent ambassador to Japan, Soe Han, would be a de facto recognition of the junta, given the state funeral will be attended by foreign leaders and representatives.&nbsp;

“We, Myanmar residents in Japan, have asked the Japanese Foreign Ministry not to invite anyone from the military to Mr Abe’s state funeral, a major international event,” said Aung Soe Moe, to the press in Tokyo.&nbsp;

He added, “What generals want is official recognition of their regime by the international community and to make the takeover of government a fait accompli.” Aung Soe Moe went on to cite the example of the UK which did not allow Myanmar’s representatives to attend Queen Elizabeth II’s funeral, earlier this month.&nbsp;

ALSO READ: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/in-pics-why-state-funeral-of-ex-japan-pm-shinzo-abe-has-resulted-in-protests-519677">IN PICS | Why state funeral of ex-Japan PM Shinzo Abe has resulted in protests</a>

He also called for Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida and Foreign Minister Yoshimasa Hayashi to take a firm stance against the junta following the coup.&nbsp;

While Japan did not invite coup leader and army chief Min Aung Hlaing it would not make a difference if Prime Minister Kishida’s government allows the junta-appointed ambassador to attend a state-level event, the former diplomat noted.&nbsp;

Aung Soe Moe was dismissed after he joined the pro-democracy movement against the country’s military rule and is now reportedly working from Japan to bring democracy back to Myanmar, the local media reported.&nbsp;

He said that he and other pro-democracy advocates do not understand why the Japanese government would invite the representative of a violent regime which has quashed dissent and even targeted women and children, for the funeral of a former leader who himself was a victim of violence, reported the Japan Times.&nbsp;

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“We oppose Japan letting the figure who we do not see as our representative attend Tuesday’s event,” said Aung Soe Moe. He also called for Tokyo to “sever ties with the Myanmar military immediately.” Notably, Japan has condemned the coup in Myanmar, however, this invitation to the junta is “not fair to Myanmar people,” said the former diplomat.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

Ahead of former Prime Minister Shinzo Abe’s state funeral, a former diplomat, now dismissed after Myanmar’s military took over, criticised Japan for inviting the head of the Myanmar Embassy in Tokyo.

Ahead of former Prime Minister Shinzo Abe’s state funeral, a former diplomat, now dismissed after Myanmar’s military took over, criticised Japan for inviting the head of the Myanmar Embassy in Tokyo. According to Japan Times, Aung Soe Moe said that inviting Myanmar's incumbent ambassador to Japan, Soe Han, would be a de facto recognition of the junta, given the state funeral will be attended by foreign leaders and representatives. “We, Myanmar residents in Japan, have asked the Japanese Foreign Ministry not to invite anyone from the military to Mr Abe’s state funeral, a major international event,” said Aung Soe Moe, to the press in Tokyo. He added, “What generals want is official recognition of their regime by the international community and to make the takeover of government a fait accompli.” Aung Soe Moe went on to cite the example of the UK which did not allow Myanmar’s representatives to attend Queen Elizabeth II’s funeral, earlier this month. ALSO READ: IN PICS | Why state funeral of ex-Japan PM Shinzo Abe has resulted in protests He also called for Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida and Foreign Minister Yoshimasa Hayashi to take a firm stance against the junta following the coup. While Japan did not invite coup leader and army chief Min Aung Hlaing it would not make a difference if Prime Minister Kishida’s government allows the junta-appointed ambassador to attend a state-level event, the former diplomat noted. Aung Soe Moe was dismissed after he joined the pro-democracy movement against the country’s military rule and is now reportedly working from Japan to bring democracy back to Myanmar, the local media reported. He said that he and other pro-democracy advocates do not understand why the Japanese government would invite the representative of a violent regime which has quashed dissent and even targeted women and children, for the funeral of a former leader who himself was a victim of violence, reported the Japan Times. ALSO READ | Myanmar: Army helicopters target school, killing 13 people including 7 children “We oppose Japan letting the figure who we do not see as our representative attend Tuesday’s event,” said Aung Soe Moe. He also called for Tokyo to “sever ties with the Myanmar military immediately.” Notably, Japan has condemned the coup in Myanmar, however, this invitation to the junta is “not fair to Myanmar people,” said the former diplomat. (With inputs from agencies)

Myanmar’s former diplomat urges Japan to debar junta envoy from Abe's funeral

Japan has banned the export of material that may be used for chemical weapons by Russian organizations and science laboratories. Japan's top government spokesperson expressed the country's grave concern regarding Russian threats to use nuclear weapons.

Japan bans export of chemical weapon goods to Russia, expresses concern over nuclear threats

Shinzo Abe's state funeral is set to cost more than Queen Elizabeth II's. Japanese people are divided over the cost, especially as Japan is dealing with rising inflation.

WION Fineprint | Japan divided over the state funeral for former prime minister, Shinzo Abe

Preparations were underway on Monday around the Nippon Budokan arena in central Tokyo for former Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe's state funeral, in which 6,000 guests and 190 foreign delegations are expected to attend.

Japan prepares for Former PM Shinzo Abe's state funeral

Shinzo Abe's state funeral will be held on Tuesday. Leaders will be flying out from around the world to attend the ceremony to pay their respects to Japan's longest serving prime minister.

Japan: Protests against Abe's state funeral, growing discontent among public

Typhoon Talas made landfall in central Japan, battering it for torrential rain and fierce winds. The catastrophe killed two residents and left about 120,000 households without power.

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As per officials in Seoul, North Korea has fired ballistic missile and the timings of firing has raised alarms. Japan has also expressed their concern over the launch. The country's coast guards has warned its ships to be vigilant.

Japan expresses concern over launch of ballistic missiles by North Korea

Japanese former Prime Minister Shinzo Abe’s state funeral has become a point of contention in the country, as hundreds of people have been protesting for months calling for the event to be cancelled. Meanwhile, Abe’s state funeral costs are now being compared to the funeral services held for the recently departed UK’s longest reigning monarch, Queen Elizabeth II.&nbsp;

While the actual total cost of the Queen's funeral, held earlier this month, has not been disclosed, several sources have cited the Daily Mirror, a British national daily tabloid, who reported the estimated figure of £8 million or 1.3 billion yen. This is in comparison to the cost of the former prime minister’s upcoming state funeral which is to be held next week and is set to cost the Japanese government at least 1.66 billion, said the media reports.&nbsp;

The debate surrounding Abe’s state funeral has been going on for months and has triggered a string of protests and demonstrations in Japan. Meanwhile, people have also highlighted the cost of the Tokyo Olympics which cost the country, $13 billion which was reportedly double the amount they estimated for the event.

Some even questioned the state funeral’s legality saying that since they have been historically reserved for the emperor. Furthermore, the decision to hold Abe’s funeral was made by the cabinet and did not even go through parliamentary approval, indicated media reports.&nbsp;

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The upcoming funeral has also been dubbed “funeral diplomacy”. The three-day event will see the presence of 700 guests from 217 countries, and leaders including prime ministers of India and Australia, Narendra Modi and Anthony Albanese, and US vice president Kamala Harris.&nbsp;

According to a report by the Guardian, the Japanese government estimated the cost of the state funeral to be 250 million yen. Meanwhile, the policing of the event would cost approximately 800 million yen, said chief cabinet secretary, Hirokazu Matsuno, while hosting the dignitaries of various countries is expected to cost at least 600 million yen. He added the cost may reach up to $1.7 billion yen.&nbsp;

Abe was Japan's longest-serving prime minister who was assassinated earlier this year in July. Several polls in the country have indicated that over 50% of people are against the state funeral citing different reasons. A survey by the Kyodo news agency said that more than 70% of participants have said that the government is spending too much money on the funeral. Another poll by Mainichi newspaper said that at least 62% of people are opposed to the upcoming state funeral.&nbsp; 
 
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This comes amid some 12 municipalities in Japan issuing statements calling for the state funeral to be cancelled. Earlier this week, a man set himself ablaze in protest near the incumbent Japanese PM Fumio Kishida’s office. While Abe’s death was a shock to most, he is set to become the second PM in the history of Japan to receive a state funeral.&nbsp;

Many have opposed the upcoming funeral predominantly because the country is battling inflation for the time in decades and critics say that the money could be spent elsewhere like helping low-income families through this difficult time, the media reported. &nbsp;&nbsp;

Japanese former Prime Minister Shinzo Abe’s state funeral has become a point of contention in the country, as hundreds of people have been protesting for months calling for the event to be cancelled.

Japanese former Prime Minister Shinzo Abe’s state funeral has become a point of contention in the country, as hundreds of people have been protesting for months calling for the event to be cancelled. Meanwhile, Abe’s state funeral costs are now being compared to the funeral services held for the recently departed UK’s longest reigning monarch, Queen Elizabeth II. While the actual total cost of the Queen's funeral, held earlier this month, has not been disclosed, several sources have cited the Daily Mirror, a British national daily tabloid, who reported the estimated figure of £8 million or 1.3 billion yen. This is in comparison to the cost of the former prime minister’s upcoming state funeral which is to be held next week and is set to cost the Japanese government at least 1.66 billion, said the media reports. The debate surrounding Abe’s state funeral has been going on for months and has triggered a string of protests and demonstrations in Japan. Meanwhile, people have also highlighted the cost of the Tokyo Olympics which cost the country, $13 billion which was reportedly double the amount they estimated for the event. Some even questioned the state funeral’s legality saying that since they have been historically reserved for the emperor. Furthermore, the decision to hold Abe’s funeral was made by the cabinet and did not even go through parliamentary approval, indicated media reports. ALSO READ: Japan: What is the controversy surrounding the state funeral for former PM Shinzo Abe? The upcoming funeral has also been dubbed “funeral diplomacy”. The three-day event will see the presence of 700 guests from 217 countries, and leaders including prime ministers of India and Australia, Narendra Modi and Anthony Albanese, and US vice president Kamala Harris. According to a report by the Guardian, the Japanese government estimated the cost of the state funeral to be 250 million yen. Meanwhile, the policing of the event would cost approximately 800 million yen, said chief cabinet secretary, Hirokazu Matsuno, while hosting the dignitaries of various countries is expected to cost at least 600 million yen. He added the cost may reach up to $1.7 billion yen. Abe was Japan's longest-serving prime minister who was assassinated earlier this year in July. Several polls in the country have indicated that over 50% of people are against the state funeral citing different reasons. A survey by the Kyodo news agency said that more than 70% of participants have said that the government is spending too much money on the funeral. Another poll by Mainichi newspaper said that at least 62% of people are opposed to the upcoming state funeral. ALSO READ: Man sets himself on fire in apparent protest against Abe's state funeral This comes amid some 12 municipalities in Japan issuing statements calling for the state funeral to be cancelled. Earlier this week, a man set himself ablaze in protest near the incumbent Japanese PM Fumio Kishida’s office. While Abe’s death was a shock to most, he is set to become the second PM in the history of Japan to receive a state funeral. Many have opposed the upcoming funeral predominantly because the country is battling inflation for the time in decades and critics say that the money could be spent elsewhere like helping low-income families through this difficult time, the media reported.

Japan: Former PM Abe’s funeral to cost more than Queen Elizabeth II’s?

The foreign ministers of India, United States of America, Japan and Australia, met in their very first meeting as Quad partners on Friday. The leaders signed the humanitarian assistance and disaster relief pact during the meeting. This agreement was announced by the Quad leaders in the month of May itself.

Foreign ministers hold meeting at Quad summit, sign disaster relief pact

The Unification Church in Japan pledged Thursday to prevent followers from making "excessive" donations, after criticism of its practices following the assassination of former prime minister Shinzo Abe.

Abe's alleged assassin is believed to have resented the sect over massive donations his mother made to the church, leaving the family bankrupt.

He reportedly targeted Abe believing he was linked to the church, whose followers are sometimes known colloquially as "Moonies".

The group has denied any wrongdoing and disavowed Abe's murder, but church executive Hideyuki Teshigawara said it would now "take into consideration the financial situation of followers and ensure that donations are not excessive".

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The church will "respect the independence and free will of followers" on donations, Teshigawara, who heads the group's new reform committee, told reporters.

The group says it took measures to regulate donations in 2009, but will now bolster them.

The announcement comes after a wave of accusations about the church's practices, including from former members who say they were pressured into making enormous donations under the guise of "spiritual sales".

The mother of the man accused of killing Abe donated around 100 million yen (then around $1 million) to the church, according to a relative.

Japan's National Network of Lawyers Against Spiritual Sales says it has filed suits seeking 123.7 billion yen ($850 million) in damages for former followers since 1987.

The church, however, says just four civil lawsuits were filed since 2009 and they have all been settled, for a total of 38 million yen.

Experts say Japan serves as a financial hub for the church, which is known officially as the Family Federation for World Peace and Unification and was founded by Sun Myung Moon in Korea in 1954.

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Japanese believers are taught that they need to atone for their country's wartime occupation of Korea, in part through hefty donations, according to former members and experts.

Teshigawara said the church would review the use of money raised in Japan for missionary work overseas and would look to use the funds to support domestic efforts instead.

Anyone found violating the church's policies would be "strictly punished", he added.

The reforms are unlikely to dissipate the widening controversy over the church, particularly after the revelation that it had links with around half the ruling party's lawmakers.

Prime Minister Fumio Kishida, who has seen his government's approval ratings slip over the issue, has pledged his party will cut ties with the church.

He faces additional controversy over a planned state funeral for Abe on September 27, with polls showing more than half of Japanese people oppose the event.

<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" loading="”lazy”" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1" width="100%"></iframe>

The Unification Church in Japan pledged Thursday to prevent followers from making "excessive" donations, after criticism of its practices following the assassination of former prime minister Shinzo Abe.

The Unification Church in Japan pledged Thursday to prevent followers from making "excessive" donations, after criticism of its practices following the assassination of former prime minister Shinzo Abe. Abe's alleged assassin is believed to have resented the sect over massive donations his mother made to the church, leaving the family bankrupt. He reportedly targeted Abe believing he was linked to the church, whose followers are sometimes known colloquially as "Moonies". The group has denied any wrongdoing and disavowed Abe's murder, but church executive Hideyuki Teshigawara said it would now "take into consideration the financial situation of followers and ensure that donations are not excessive". Also read | Apple issues latest iPhone 14 update to fix shaking camera and authorisation problems The church will "respect the independence and free will of followers" on donations, Teshigawara, who heads the group's new reform committee, told reporters. The group says it took measures to regulate donations in 2009, but will now bolster them. The announcement comes after a wave of accusations about the church's practices, including from former members who say they were pressured into making enormous donations under the guise of "spiritual sales". The mother of the man accused of killing Abe donated around 100 million yen (then around $1 million) to the church, according to a relative. Japan's National Network of Lawyers Against Spiritual Sales says it has filed suits seeking 123.7 billion yen ($850 million) in damages for former followers since 1987. The church, however, says just four civil lawsuits were filed since 2009 and they have all been settled, for a total of 38 million yen. Experts say Japan serves as a financial hub for the church, which is known officially as the Family Federation for World Peace and Unification and was founded by Sun Myung Moon in Korea in 1954. Also read | UN memo says Pakistan should suspend debt repayments: Reports Japanese believers are taught that they need to atone for their country's wartime occupation of Korea, in part through hefty donations, according to former members and experts. Teshigawara said the church would review the use of money raised in Japan for missionary work overseas and would look to use the funds to support domestic efforts instead. Anyone found violating the church's policies would be "strictly punished", he added. The reforms are unlikely to dissipate the widening controversy over the church, particularly after the revelation that it had links with around half the ruling party's lawmakers. Prime Minister Fumio Kishida, who has seen his government's approval ratings slip over the issue, has pledged his party will cut ties with the church. He faces additional controversy over a planned state funeral for Abe on September 27, with polls showing more than half of Japanese people oppose the event.

Unification Church in Japan pledges donation reforms after Shinzo Abe’s assassination

The Unification Church in Japan accepted that it received a huge donation from Shinzo Abe's murder suspect's mother and it would need to seriously consider if that led to the killing of the Japanese leader. Shinzo Abe was shot dead during an outdoor campaign speech, back in July.

Unification Church in Japan accepts it took huge donation from Shinzo Abe shooting suspect's mother

In Japan, the unification church that came into the headlines following the former Prime Minister Shinzo Abe's assassination has now acknowledged the fact that it accepted huge donations from the suspect's mother.

Shinzo Abe Probe: Unification church accepts donation claims, suspect's mother donated $700,00

With some ease to the Covid-19 pandemic, Japan is now all set to further relax its border restrictions next month onwards. The country has maintained some of the strictest measures in the world.

Japan: 'Pandemic interrupted the free flow of people & goods'

Japan stated on Thursday that it would relax harsh Covid regulations on foreign visitors, reopening the gates after a two-and-a-half-year hiatus.

Japan will finally reopen the border, tweeted Taro Kono, the minister of information technology.

There is no daily restriction and free individual visits, and the visa waiver is returned.

He did so before Prime Minister Fumio Kishida, who is in attendance at the UN General Assembly and is scheduled to speak at the New York Stock Exchange about the lowering of entrance requirements, was scheduled to do so.

Japan and <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/taiwan-to-scrap-covid-quarantine-for-travellers-in-october-518842">China</a> have been the only countries to continue imposing tight restrictions on tourists when the majority of the world has recovered from the pandemic.

Contrarily, Japan didn't implement a rigorous lockdown during the outbreak.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/laughter-face-for-carrots-cry-face-for-kale-babies-in-womb-react-to-what-their-mothers-eat-study-finds-518616">'Laughter-face' for carrots, 'cry-face' for kale: Babies in womb react to what their mothers eat, study finds</a>

Tourists to Japan will benefit from a weak yen, which has fallen so far against the dollar that the finance ministry intervened in the currency market earlier on Thursday for the first time since 1998.

The reinstatement of the visa-waiver programme, which was put on hold in March 2020, will bring back the convenience that allowed a record 31.9 million foreign travellers to enter the nation in 2019.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/alphatauri-retains-japanese-driver-yuki-tsunoda-for-next-formula-one-season-518727">Japan</a> has eased its restriction that visitors travel in groups with advisers since June and now accepts self-guided package excursions as well.

According to James Brady, Japan analysis head at the US-based Teneo consultancy, the cautious approach to reopening has been planned.

(With inputs from agencies)

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Japan stated on Thursday that it would relax harsh Covid regulations on foreign visitors, reopening the gates after a two-and-a-half-year hiatus. Japan will finally reopen the border, tweeted Taro Kono, the minister of information technology.

Japan stated on Thursday that it would relax harsh Covid regulations on foreign visitors, reopening the gates after a two-and-a-half-year hiatus. Japan will finally reopen the border, tweeted Taro Kono, the minister of information technology. There is no daily restriction and free individual visits, and the visa waiver is returned. He did so before Prime Minister Fumio Kishida, who is in attendance at the UN General Assembly and is scheduled to speak at the New York Stock Exchange about the lowering of entrance requirements, was scheduled to do so. Japan and China have been the only countries to continue imposing tight restrictions on tourists when the majority of the world has recovered from the pandemic. Contrarily, Japan didn't implement a rigorous lockdown during the outbreak. Also read | 'Laughter-face' for carrots, 'cry-face' for kale: Babies in womb react to what their mothers eat, study finds Tourists to Japan will benefit from a weak yen, which has fallen so far against the dollar that the finance ministry intervened in the currency market earlier on Thursday for the first time since 1998. The reinstatement of the visa-waiver programme, which was put on hold in March 2020, will bring back the convenience that allowed a record 31.9 million foreign travellers to enter the nation in 2019. Japan has eased its restriction that visitors travel in groups with advisers since June and now accepts self-guided package excursions as well. According to James Brady, Japan analysis head at the US-based Teneo consultancy, the cautious approach to reopening has been planned. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

Japan to lift Covid restrictions on international visitors

A man set himself on fire near the Japanese prime minister's office in Tokyo to protest against the state funeral of Japan's longest-serving prime minister Shinzo Abe.

Japan: Man attempts self-immolation near PM office over Abe's state funeral

Typhoon Nanmadol continues to wreak havoc in Japan claiming the lives of two people and forcing millions to evacuate. One of the biggest storms to strike Japan in years, it has brought ferocious winds and record rainfall to the west of the country.

WION Climate Tracker | Japan battered by one of the worst typhoons ever

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