Tokyo Blaze Turns Up the Heat on Abe State Funeral Debate
Late Wednesday, a dramatic flare‑up occurred just outside the Japanese prime minister’s office in Tokyo: a man set himself ablaze in what locals are calling a protest of the state funeral plans for former premier Shinzo Abe, who was fatally shot at a campaign rally in July. TV Asahi reports that the incendiary act caused a scene in the heart of the capital.
What Went Down
- Flames & injuries – The man suffered full‑body burns and was rushed to a nearby hospital while a police officer, who tried to douse the flames, was also taken seriously.
- Evidence of dissent – A letter opposing Abe’s state funeral was found close by, hinting at a deeper wave of opposition.
Why the Funeral Is Controversial
Abe, Japan’s longest-serving leader, was shot by a suspect who has since accused the former prime minister of backing the controversial Unification Church. The church, a South Korean entity from the 1950s, has tangled the Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) in a web of scandal that’s left many Japanese uneasy.
Unpacking the Church Connection
- Chief suspect claims the church bankrupted his mother, blaming Abe for his support.
- LDP findings: Half of 379 lawmakers reportedly have ties with the church.
- Prime Minister Fumio Kishida faces mounting pressure as these revelations surface.
Public Opinion Gets Hotter
Initial polls once leaned slightly for the funeral, but recent surveys suggest a dramatic shift:
- Primary polls now show a majority against holding the ceremony.
- Prime Minister Kishida’s support dropped to 29 % thanks to this backlash.
- The LDP’s rating fell to 23 %, casting doubt on the government’s ability to advance its agenda.
Economic Concerns
With the funeral cost projected at 1.65 billion yen (about S$16 million), covering security and receptions, many citizens question the expense as Japan grapples with economic strain. “Why spend so much when the country’s already feeling the pinch?” many voters ask.
The Bottom Line
From a fiery protest to a war‑on‑public‑opinion sting, the debate over Abe’s state funeral shows no sign of cooling. While Kishida defends the ceremony every chance he gets, the wave of public dissent keeps growing, and the cost of a grand memorial might just be the final spark that ignites a larger political burn.
