Japan’s State Funeral: One‑Size‑Fits‑All, But That’s a Whole Lot of Yen!
On September 27th the Nippon Budokan will echo with speeches, fanfare, and a handful of faintly trembling clerks as Japan pays tribute to former Prime Minister Shinzo Abe. The new budget reveals a staggering 1.65 billion yen—roughly $16 million—covering security, reception, and, believe it or not, the coffee for a thousand or more guests.
What’s the Money Actually Going To?
- Security: Google says it’s about 800 million yen. Coast guard, riot squads, and a special detective for each bullet‑proof vest are likely standing by.
- Hosting Foreign Delegations: Estimated at 600 million yen—the funds that cover the endless array of world leaders who clutch their lieu‑de‑fleurs like they’re about to say “BYE!”
- Other royalties—like the cost of the state’s premium white‑gold clap—quantify as 250 million yen in earlier budgets, but the new figures rattle the tiny spreadsheets.
The chief cabinet secretary, Hirokazu Matsuno, told reporters that if we “simplify” the calculations, we’d be in the ballpark of 1.7 billion yen—which is basically the same number. “We’re doing our best to clarify details,” he said, hinting that transparency might be on the menu, albeit with a side of bureaucracy.
Who’s Coming?
- Expect around 6,000 people to attend.
- About 190 foreign delegations will be present.
- Some 50 of those delegations will include presidents, prime ministers, or their height‑sized escorts.
That’s a lot of travel visas, speeding tickets, and talk‑show appearances for Japan’s travel agents that day.
The Political Cost of a Funeral
Shinzo Abe’s funeral is drenched with drama: he was assassinated while rallying votes. His tenure—Japan’s longest—was filled with polarizing policies and controversial ties to the Unification Church, a group known for swooping mass‑weddings and uncanny fundraising.
While the church’s heavy hand may have had a legal sting, the political ramifications linger. Prime Minister Fumio Kishida’s popularity sank after the revelations, and the public remains divided.
- In a Yomiuri poll, 56% opposed the funeral.
- Only 38% voted in favour.
So, for all the ceremony’s grandeur, the politics live on, making the cost of the blankets more than just a financial line item—they’re a litmus test for Japan’s future.
