Many Japanese Pay Farewell To Former Pm Abe
Many people in Japan are saying their goodbyes to former Prime Minister Abe Shinzo. He was shot dead during a campaign event last Friday just days before the Upper House election. A funeral was held in Tokyo Tuesday.
Family members, close friends and allies commemorated Abe's life at Zojoji Temple. Mourners lined up to pay their respects to Japan's longest serving prime minister.
After the funeral, a motorcade carrying Abe's body made a farewell trip. People waited on the sidewalks, as it journeyed through the city.
The motorcade passed by places central to Japanese politics, including the prime minister's office.
Prime Minister Kishida Fumio and his cabinet members made a farewell at the entrance of the office, Abe's workplace for more than eight years.
Meantime, the investigation into the attack that took his life four days ago continues. 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 Abe a year ago.
Yamagami also told investigators he initially planned to use explosives. But he 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.
Vigils across Japan are continuing. More ceremonies are scheduled to be held in Tokyo, along with Yamaguchi Prefecture, the constituency Abe represented in the Diet.