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Japan's prime minister has accepted criticism for not sufficiently explaining why he wants a state funeral for assassinated former leader Shinzo Abe, but defended the move despite seeing his support dip to its lowest-ever level.
Key points:
- Japan's PM has faced criticism for granting former prime minister Shinzo Abe a state funeral
- Mr Abe's suspected assassin had a grudge against the Unification Church and blamed him for promoting it
- A party investigation found that 179 of 379 politicians had interactions with the church
Prime Minister Fumio Kishida's decision to hold the funeral on September 27, to be paid for by the state, has caused widespread public opposition.
The criticism follows revelations that emerged after Mr Abe's murder of ties between the Japan's ruling Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) and a controversial church group.
"I humbly accept the criticism that my explanation was insufficient," Mr Kishida said.
Mr Abe, Japan's longest-serving but divisive premier, was shot and killed at an election rally on July 8.
His suspected assassin held a grudge against the Unification Church, alleging it bankrupted his mother, and blamed Mr Abe for promoting it.
Many people feel links between the LDP and the church, which was founded in South Korea in the 1950s and is famous for its mass weddings, have not been adequately explained.
A party investigation found that 179 of 379 politicians had interactions with the Unification Church and 17 received election help, a LDP official said on Thursday.
Mr Kishida said he decided to hold a state funeral given Mr Abe's contributions to the country, which have been recognised in Japan and abroad.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese will visit Japan from September 26-28 to attend the funeral, alongside former leaders John Howard, Tony Abbott and Malcolm Turnbull who worked with Mr Abe during his two terms.
"I believe that the attendance at Mr Abe's state funeral by not just myself as the sitting prime minister of Australia, but by three former prime ministers will send a very strong message to the government of Japan, but most importantly, to the people of Japan, about how respected Mr Abe was by Australia," Mr Albanese said.
A poll this week showed disapproval of Mr Kishida's government increased to more than 40 per cent, while other surveys have shown disapproval edging above approval.
Issue 'will drag on'
While Mr Kishida is not required to hold a national election for three years, growing disapproval could make it hard to push through an agenda that includes bringing more nuclear reactors back online.
Waseda University political science professor Airo Hino said the prime minister may have waited too long to explain his decision.
"This issue will drag on," he said.
"As the day for the funeral approaches and disapproval continues to grow, his support is likely to fall still further."
Reuters/AP