Japan to hold state funeral for Shinzo Abe this autumn

Kishida is swayed by outpouring of support at home and abroad

20220714 A hearse carrying the body of former Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe

Prime Minister Fumio Kishida and other officials offer prayers as a hearse carrying the body of former Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe makes a brief visit to the Prime Minister's Office in Tokyo on Tuesday. (Photo by Uichiro Kasai)

KENTARO IWAMOTO, Nikkei staff writer

July 14, 2022 18:26 JST

Updated on July 15, 2022 00:51 JST

TOKYO -- Japan will hold a state funeral for Shinzo Abe this autumn, Prime Minister Fumio Kishida announced on Thursday, citing the former leader's accomplishments for the country.

Abe, the country's longest-serving prime minister, "assumed a heavy responsibility of being Japan's prime minister in the face of severe domestic and international situations through his outstanding leadership and executive ability," Kishida told reporters in Tokyo.