Shinzo Abe state funeral Updates: Japan, world leaders bid farewell to ex-PM

We are now closing our updates on the state funeral for Japan's former prime minister Shinzo Abe. Shinzo Abe was assassinated, aged 67, at a political rally in July. His state funeral attended by dignitaries from around the world including PM Narendra Modi was held in Tokyo. 

A 19-gun salute was sounded in honour of slain former Japanese PM Shinzo Abe at his state funeral.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday attended the state funeral of former Japanese premier Shinzo Abe in Tokyo and paid floral tributes at the service. Watch video here

Protests against the state funeral for former Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe who was assassinated on the campaign trail in July were seen on Tuesday ahead of the service. The protests, which have continued for around 2 months, have become a major problem for Japan's Prime Minister Fumio Kishida.

Representatives from Japan's royal family offered prayers and tributes.

Former PM, Yoshihide Suga, who succeeded Shinzo Abe in 2020, said, "Why did your life have to be taken away in such a tragic way when you were so indispensable to us?"

Former Japan prime minister Shinzo Abe's state funeral is taking place in Tokyo with world leaders in attendance. 

Japanese leaders are paying their respects to the longest-serving Prime Minister of the country. 

Soldiers participated in the ceremonial respects after which a video tribute to Shinzo Abe was played. The video featured PM Narendra Modi as well. 

World leaders gathered on Tuesday at former Japan prime minister Shinzo Abe's funeral watched a video tribute to the assassinated premier which featured key moments from his career. The video tribute included the time when Shinzo Abe met Prime Minister Narendra Modi among many pictures of Abe with other world leaders at global summits and addressing the United Nations.

Japan prime minister, Fumio Kishida delivered a powerful eulogy to Shinzo Abe as he has walked up to the front of the altar.

Mourners watched a video tribute to former Japan PM Shinzo Abe featuring key moments from his career.

As proceedings for the state funeral for former PM Shinzo Abe began, his widow Akie Abe arrived at the Budokan venue carrying his ashes.

Japan Prime Minister Fumio Kishida has received the ashes, which appear to be contained in a ceremonial box. Kishida then handed it to the military officers after which the box was placed at the centre of the altar. 

The state funeral has begun as thousands are seated in the arena. A military band played a dirge as senior Japanese dignitaries walked in.

Up to 1,000 soldiers will perform ceremonial duties with a military honour guard firing 19 blank rounds from a cannon to salute the former PM.

Shinzo Abe's ashes being carried into the Nippon Budokan as over 700 foreign guests, state leaders and dignitaries look on.

Shinzo Abe State Funeral Protests: The costs for the state funeral for Shinzo Abe have been estimated to be at 1.7 billion yen, approximately $12 million which has angered many in Japan. Japan's prime minister Fumio Kishida has attempted to assuage public concerns many times since the start of the protests as the controversy undermines his proposed record defense spending increase. Kishida's approval ratings have reached at the lowest level since he assumed office in October.

Shinzo Abe State Funeral: Shinzo Abe is credited for giving stability and security to Japan. Before Shinzo Abe returned to power in 2012, Japan had suffered its biggest trauma since World War Two. Read more

Prime Minister Narendra Modi conveyed his “deepest condolences” for the death of former premier Shinzo Abe to his Japanese counterpart Fumio Kishida during a meeting in Tokyo on Tuesday. Read more