Thousands of people lined the streets around Jojoji Temple in Tokyo today, where the funeral of late former Prime Minister Shinzo Abe is taking place.
The funeral was private, limited to the former leader’s family, close friends and foreign dignitaries – but members of the public flocked to the area to pay their respects.
Photographs of the scene show weeping mourners clutching flowers, notes and other offerings to place at a memorial outside the temple.
Abe was a controversial but popular figure, serving two terms in office from 2006 to 2007 and from 2012 to 2020.
The temple is a century-old structure of historical and cultural significance that houses the tombs of Japan’s military rulers from the Edo period.
A private vigil was also held for Abe at the temple on Monday night, attended by his widow Aki Abe, other relatives and guests.
After the funeral, the hearse carrying Abe’s body will be taken from the temple to Kirigaya Funeral Hall for cremation.
Along the way, the coffin will pass notable landmarks, including the Prime Minister’s Office, the Parliament Buildings and the headquarters of Abe’s Liberal Democratic Party. At the Prime Minister’s office premises, office workers stand outside to see him.
