Japanese former leader Abe honored at divisive state funeral

By MARI YAMAGUCHI
Associated Press

TOKYO (AP) — Japan’s assassinated hawkish former leader, Shinzo Abe, has been honored by a rare and divisive state funeral that was full of militaristic pomp and surrounded by throngs of mourners as well as by widespread protests. Prime Minister Fumio Kishida says the publicly financed ceremony was a well-deserved honor for Japan’s longest-serving modern political leader, but it has deeply split public opinion. The event was attended by U.S. Vice President Kamala Harris, Japanese Crown Prince Akishino and other foreign and Japanese dignitaries. Kishida praised Abe as a leader with a clear vision for economic growth who promoted national security and the concept of a “free and open Indo-Pacific” as a counter to China’s rise.