Japan tightens security ahead of Abe funeral

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Japan tightens security ahead of Abe funeral

TOKYO Kyodo Japan has imposed strict security measures in the capital as it prepares to hold a state funeral for former Prime Minister Shinzo Abe on Tuesday with foreign dignitaries attending.

Two stands for the general public to lay tribute flowers will be set up at a park near the Nippon Budokan hall in Tokyo, the venue for the major event, with baggage inspection to be conducted for those offering flowers and access to streets around the site restricted, the government said.

The state-funded event, starting at 2 p.m. Tuesday, faces growing criticism as it is expected to cost 1.66 billion yen $11.6 million in taxpayers' money, with a large portion attributed to security costs. The state funeral was attended by demonstrations ahead of the state funeral, with participants saying that holding the event pressures people to mourn the death of the divisive former leader.

On Tuesday, the Metropolitan Police Department will impose top-level security measures equivalent to those adopted at the time of the Tokyo Olympic and Paralympic Games last year, as well as Emperor Naruhito's ascension to the Chrysanthemum throne in 2019.

Among the measures are putting police along the streets, heightening alert at JR Tokyo Station and other locations where many people are congregating, and collecting information to take precautions against a lone wolf type of terrorist attack.

The police presence will surpass the 18,000 personnel mobilized in May to strengthen security for a Quad meeting in Tokyo in May, joined by the leaders of Japan, the United States, Australia and India.

Police are taking extra precautions to make sure there is no gap in security, as Abe was gunned down while he was campaigning for the House of Councillors election, a police source said.

The government is asking people to use public transportation, as wide areas of the Metropolitan Expressway and roads around the venue will be closed.

The hall is located in Kitanomaru Garden and will be off limits for people other than those who are involved in the state funeral and those offering flowers.

There will be no stand for signing condolence books from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesday. Items other than flowers, such as beverages or stuffed animals, will not be accepted.