International

PM Modi arrives in Japan to attend Abe’s state funeral

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday arrived in Tokyo to attend the state funeral of former Prime Minister of Japan Shinzo Abe.

Taking to Twitter, PM Modi wrote, “Landed in Tokyo,” as he reached the country to pay tributes to the late prime minister. PM Modi would also meet with Japan prime minister Fumio Kishida. The visit is likely to last less than a day.

Shinzo Abe was attacked on July 8 in the city of Nara during a campaign speech and died later that day.

Abe was shot at about 11:30 am local time in Nara on July 8, east of Osaka, as he gave an election campaign speech on the street. He was taken to the hospital where he was pronounced dead at 5:03 pm.

Japan has imposed tight security measures in the capital city Tokyo as it prepares to host foreign dignitaries for the state funeral of former Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, which will be attended by several foreign dignitaries.

Top-level security measures will be deployed, equivalent to those adopted during the Tokyo Olympic and Paralympic Games, with the police presence exceeding 18,000 personnel.

The funeral service will likely last for approximately one-and-a-half hours following which the national anthem of the country will be played. Prime Minister Fumio Kishida will deliver a commemorative speech followed by addresses from another high-level delegate

Japan’s royal family will also pay tributes to Abe at his state funeral, however, maintaining the line of tradition, Emperor Naruhito will not be attending the funeral, and their imperial envoys will pay their respects. The funeral ceremony will finish with sending off Abe’s remains and placing remembrance wreaths.

Northeast Live Digital Desk