Why Shinzo Abe’s State Funeral is Turning Japan Upside‑Down
It ain’t just about a monarch – it’s a money‑fueled spectacle
Abe’s lavish, taxpayer‑funded send‑off has cost Japan $12 million, a figure that’s stirred more than just the polite mood of the crowd. For many, it feels like the government is splurging on a funeral while the everyday folks are struggling.
Opposition in the front row – or not at all
- Numerous opposition lawmakers boycotted the ceremony scheduled for Tuesday, Sept 20.
- Some political factions called the event a “flavorless puffery” rather than a dignified farewell.
Fire: literally and metaphorically
A man, who’s been dubbed the “torch‑bearer protester,” set himself aflame in an attempt to make a point about the extravagance. It was a dramatic (and somewhat dangerous) stand‑up against what many see as an unjust money drain.
Who’s in attendance? Around the globe
- Former US Vice President Kamala Harris made a cameo.
- Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi marched in hand‑in‑hand with the delegation.
Why the public has gone to the “no‑win” aim
The funeral has become a lightning‑rod for public anger mainly because:
- It gapes at the sadness and the wealthy still schooled the public for a gilded ceremony.
- For those who see the ruling party as social “greedy,” the funeral is a sign they’re in the wrong seat.
- While dignitaries from every corner of the globe appear, the average citizen’s financial burdens remain.
Why are people opposed?
Who’s in the Church‑Shocking Party War?
When Japan’s former Prime Minister Shinzo Abe was shot down on a campaign trail in July, a bomb‑like revelation dropped onto the political scene: the Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) had been spinning a long‑time dance with the Unification Church.
The “Cult” Column
- The shooting suspect claimed Abe was “spitting” church propaganda.
- Critics blasted the Unification Church as a cult, citing its mass weddings and brash fundraising tactics.
- The same gun‑man told police the church drained his own family’s wallet.
LDP’s “Church‑Connect” Audit
The party’s own investigation revealed that 179 out of 379 lawmakers have had some “touch” with the church—whether that’s a handshake, a handshake at a fundraiser, or a whispered promotion. In other words, nearly half the party has been rubbing elbows with the group.
Funeral Costs: A Pass‑the‑Buck Smoke‑Screen
- The state estimates the funeral will cost about 1.65 billion yen (around S$16 million).
- That’s a hefty bill in a climate where many Japanese families are tightening their belts.
- Only one other fully state‑funded prime‑minister funeral has ever happened—Shigeru Yoshida back in 1967. All other cases since have split the bill between the government and the LDP.
Takeaway
With the country mourning one of its most decisive leaders, the hidden ties between Abe’s LDP and a controversial church have turned into a sensational side story that only fuels the political drama. Meanwhile, the high funeral price tag becomes a handy buzz‑word for criticizing how our leaders and parties handle public funds.
How was opinion shifted?
Prime Minister Kishida Faces Backlash Over Abe’s State Funeral
Abu Dhabi‑era Funerals, Not Just for the King
Just six days after former Prime Minister Shinzo Abe was tragically murdered, Fumio Kishida stepped up to declare a state funeral. The idea, meant to honor Abe’s legacy, hit a wall of public sentiment in a very short time.
Public Opinion Turns Anticlimactic
Early polls had a lukewarm mix—some citizens were ready to pay their respects, other folks felt “meh.” But as allegations about the Liberal Democratic Party’s (LDP) ties to the Unification Church stirred up more drama, and the cost estimate for the funeral started ticking higher, the mood shifted dramatically.
- Abe not “worthy” of state honors, many said.
- The price tag spirals out of control, another key grievance.
In a recent survey by the Mainichi newspaper, 62% of respondents were against the funeral. That’s a sudden flip from a split stance to a decisive majority of opposition.
Approval Ratings Plunge Extremes
The whole fuss has battered Kishida’s support, plunging it down to a precarious 29% in a new poll. In Japan’s political lexicon, that’s the “danger zone” – a signal that the government is cruising a steep climb in the struggle to push forward any agenda.
Fire‑Fighter Protest Near the PM’s Residence
Meanwhile, a week before the scheduled ceremony, a dramatic protest unfolded. A man in his 70s was hospitalized after setting himself ablaze near the Prime Minister’s official home. Local media dubbed the act a spectacular, albeit tragic, protest against the funeral plans.
Whether this event will alter the political landscape remains to be seen, but the currents of discontent are unmistakably strong. The LDP’s grip on the future is wobbly, and the public’s voice is louder than ever.
What has the government said?
Kishida Calls on LDP to Cut Ties with the Unification Church
In a move that has everyone from Tokyo streets to Twitter feeds talking, Prime Minister Kishida has issued a sincere apology and declared his mission: “We’ll win back the public’s trust by asking every LDP member to ditch their ties with the Unification Church.”
Why the Apology Matters
- Many folks feel the recent funeral for former PM Abe didn’t capture the nation’s overwhelming support.
- Kishida repeatedly defended his decision but now acknowledges that the sentiment was lukewarm.
- He’s stepping up to prove he’s listening and ready for a fresh start.
Abe’s Legacy: The Case for a State Funeral
Despite the mixed reactions, Kishida’s voice rises in praise:
- Abe’s domestic reforms – from “postal privatization” to tackling “Tokyo’s housing crisis”.
- An international image builder: “Dollars, diplomacy, and the knack for making allies out of rivals.”
- His long tenure (2006‑2007 & 2012‑2020) stood as a pillar for many who saw his “nationalist rhetoric” & hard‑line defense policy.
The Mixed Bag of Abe’s Presidency
While some admired his “strong‑hand” approach and pushed for a robust defense, others feared any shift away from Japan’s post‑war pacifist constitution could raise eyebrows. “It’s like watching a tightrope walker try to juggle two bombs,” one commentator joked.
A Peek at the Past
During his two stints, Abe’s agenda stretched across multiple areas:
- Nationalism – “We’ll write that word in bold on the flag board!”
- Defense policy – “Wall‑Street-style military spending!”
- Public sentiment – a rollercoaster of support and cautious backlash.
Looking Forward
With Kishida’s pledge to sever bonds with the Unification Church, Japan is hoping for a calmer political climate. Whether this will fully mend the trust curve remains to be seen, but at least the narrative shift is happening.
