Japanese media reported on the morning of July 11 (local time), the car believed to be carrying the body of the late Prime Minister Abe Shinzo arrived at Zojo-ji temple. Lady Abe Akie, 60, will preside over the funeral – which is expected to take place in private, with only family and close friends in attendance – on July 12.
In one photo of Abe Akie sitting in the front seat of a hearse, she appeared to be in tears. At Zojo-ji Temple, a traditional “tsuya” ceremony is held, usually held the night before the official funeral to pray for the departed soul’s resting place.
Mrs. Abe Akie sat in the front seat of the hearse, seemingly in tears. Photo: Reuters
When the “tsuya” ceremony is over, most of the participants will leave, but relatives of the deceased can stay at the shrine overnight.
A private funeral for the late Prime Minister Shinzo Abe will be held in Tokyo on July 12. Incumbent Prime Minister Kishida Fumio and several Japanese officials are likely to attend the funeral.
Larger memorials will follow in Tokyo and Abe Shinzo’s hometown in Yamaguchi Prefecture.
People write prayers on the wall in memory of the late Prime Minister Shinzo Abe. Photo: Reuters
Image of Mr. Abe Shinzo at a temple in Taipei – Taiwan. Photo: Reuters
According to the newspaper The Strait Times, On the day former Prime Minister Shinzo Abe was assassinated in Nara city (noon 8-7 local time), Ms. Abe Akie was in Tokyo. She took the train half the length of the country to Nara prefecture hospital on July 8.
Mr and Mrs Abe got married 35 years ago. They often openly displayed their romantic relationship, which was considered a rarity among Japanese politicians of the time. The two also often post photos and videos of participating in events together on their personal social media accounts.
On July 11, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken unexpectedly visited Tokyo to express solidarity and condolences to the Japanese people. The top US diplomat changed course after trips to Thailand and Indonesia.
