The state funeral for former Prime Minister Shinzo Abe was held Tuesday at the Nippon Budokan hall in Chiyoda Ward, Tokyo, where the slain politician was lauded for his achievements and dedication. About 4,300 people, including about 700 people from 218 other nations and territories, attended the ceremony.
Abe's cremated remains were brought to the venue just before 2 p.m. by his wife Akie, who was greeted there by Prime Minister Fumio Kishida. The remains were placed in the center of an altar decorated with items including a Diet member badge and a blue ribbon symbolizing wishes for the return of the Japanese nationals abducted by North Korea.
