Why is the state-funded funeral facing backlash from public in Japan?

The connections of the LDP with the unification church and economic hardships in Japan are the reasons behind the public backlash. The people face financial hardships, and the government is using their money to fund the state funeral for Shinzo Abe.

State-funded funeral for Shinzo Abe faces backlash from public in Japan. See why

There is anger among the public as the government is hosting a lavish funeral for Shinzo Abe with taxpayers' money. The funeral is scheduled for Tuesday at 2 pm in Central Tokyo at the Nippon Budokan. Japan's longest-serving leader's funeral cost ...

By ET Spotlight Special | Sep 25, 2022, 08.28 PM IST

The Japanese public is furious as the government in Japan looks to hosts its longest-serving leader's funeral with the taxpayers' money on Tuesday. The cost is around $12 million as there will be reception fees and hefty security for hosting dignitaries from around the world. Abe was the Prime Minister and the Liberal Democratic Party's President. He was assassinated while giving a speech for a campaign on July 8. The funeral event is being criticised for its cost. In protest, a man set himself on fire near the PM's office and was taken to the hospital. The opposition to the funeral comes as links between the Unification Church and the Liberal Democratic Party became known after Abe's assassination. The suspect accused Shinzo of promoting Unification Church. Critics call the group a cult because of its aggressive tactics to raise funds and mass weddings. According to the police, the suspect believes the group impoverished his family.

Political leaders assassinated over last 50 years

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Former Prime Minister Shinzo Abe was assassinated Friday on a street in western Japan by a gunman who opened fire on him from behind as he delivered a campaign speech. Abe was Japan’s longest-serving leader when he resigned in 2020.

Adding fuel to the fire

An investigation revealed that 179 of 379 lawmakers of the LDP had been interacting with the Unification Church. Many people are facing economic hardship in Japan, and the costly state funeral has added fuel to the fire. Shigeru Yoshida was the last prime minister, who got a state-funded funeral in 1967, and the subsequent ones have been paid for by the LDP and the state together. A state-funded funeral is undertaken for the imperial family members in Japan. We expect around 6,000 people to attend the funeral and the list of dignitaries includes Nicolas Sarkozy, Theresa May, and Kamala Harris.

FAQs

Why is the state-funded funeral facing backlash from public in Japan?
The connections of the LDP with the unification church and economic hardships in Japan are the reasons behind the public backlash. The people face financial hardships, and the government is using their money to fund the state funeral for Shinzo Abe.
Which foreign dignitaries are expected at the funeral?
Around 6,000 people will attend the funeral and the list of dignitaries includes Nicolas Sarkozy, Theresa May and Kamala Harris.

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