Crowds of mourners gathered in Tokyo today, lining the streets around Zojoji Temple, where the funeral of the late former prime minister Shinzo Abe is being held. The funeral is private, limited to only the former leader’s family, intimates and foreign dignitaries — but members of the public poured into the area to pay their respects. (Shiho Fukada for CNN) Photos from the scene show mourners crying, hands holding flowers, notes and other offerings to place at the memorial outside the church. Abe has been a controversial but popular figure, having served two terms in power from 2006 to 2007 and 2012 to 2020. (Shiho Fukada for CNN) The temple is a centuries-old structure of historical and cultural significance, housing the tombs of Japan’s military rulers from the Edo period. A private wake for Abe was also held at the shrine on Monday night, attended by his widow, Aki Abe, other relatives and guests. (Shiho Fukada for CNN) After the funeral, the hearse carrying Abe’s body will be taken from the temple to the Kirigaya Funeral Hall for cremation. On the way, the hearse will pass important sites such as the Prime Minister’s Office, the Parliament building and the headquarters of Abe’s Liberal Democratic Party. At the Prime Minister’s office, the office staff will stand outside to see him off. (Shiho Fukada for CNN)
