Japan Pays Farewell To Former Pm Abe
The funeral for former Prime Minister Abe Shinzo was held in Tokyo on Tuesday, four days after he was shot and killed during a speech.
The funeral was held at Zojoji temple. There was also a wake there Monday night, drawing 2,500 mourners including Abe's political allies and adversaries, foreign dignitaries and business leaders.
A hearse is scheduled to bring Abe's body to the prime minister's office and other places in Nagatacho, a neighborhood that is central to Japanese politics. Prime Minister Fumio Kishida is expected to say farewell at the entrance of the office.
While people paid their respects, investigators continued working to find out as much as possible about the sole suspect.
Police arrested Yamagami Tetsuya at the scene of the shooting. Sources within the investigation tell NHK the suspect apparently made up his mind to kill the former prime minister a year ago.
The 41-year-old also told investigators he initially planned to use explosives, but reportedly switched to a firearm to ensure he would hit Abe and no one else.
Police searching Yamagami's home came out with what are believed to be homemade weapons. They say he test-fired them in a mountainous area.
Police believe he carefully waited for a chance to approach Abe, opening fire when he was just a few meters away from his target.
People across the nation continue to hold vigils for Japan's longest-serving prime minister. More farewell ceremonies are set to be held in Tokyo and Yamaguchi Prefecture, which Abe represented in the Diet.