Controversy in Japan over Shinzo Abe's political funeral, why are people upset?
Controversy in Japan over Shinzo Abe's political funeral, why are people upset?
Last July, Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe was shot dead. The Japanese government has decided to give him a political funeral. The people of the country have been divided into two groups. There is resentment among some people against the political culture. Those protesting Abe's political funeral are calling it anti-democratic.
Tokyo: There are mixed opinions in the country regarding the political funeral of former Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe on September 27. Abe was shot dead last July. The ruling party's close ties to the ultra-Orthodox Unification Church have fueled opposition to the funeral. Abe's political funeral on Tuesday is fueled by anger for several reasons. Political funerals in Japan are a tradition for the emperor to honor people who have made extraordinary contributions to the country of origin. Before World War II, the emperor was considered a deity, and public mourning was mandatory for those who received the honor of a political funeral.
Political funerals were held for members of the royal family
Political funerals were mostly held for members of the royal family. However, political funerals were also held for other politicians and military officers, including Isoroku Yamamoto. Yamamoto ordered the attack on Pearl Harbor and died in 1943. The political funeral law was abolished after the war.
The last political funeral in Japan was in 1967
Japan's only political funeral since then was held in 1967 for politician Shigeru Yoshida, who signed the San Francisco Treaty to end the US occupation of Japan and establish relations with the Allies. Governments withdrew such plans after Yoshida's funeral drew criticism. Historian Junichi Miyama said, 'Political funerals are against the spirit of democracy.'
Tight security at Abe's funeral
No food or drink of any kind will be allowed inside and only media will be allowed to use cameras.