Prime Minister Narendra Modi along with several global leaders today attended the state funeral of former Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe.

In this event being held in Tokyo, Prime Minister Modi paid tribute to the former Japanese leader with flowers.

Prime Minister Modi had said that Shinzo Abe was his "dear friend".

The controversial state funeral in Japan began on Tuesday when Shinzo Abe's widow, Akie, arrived in a Tokyo hall with his remains.

Shinzo Abe was shot dead during an election campaign. 

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Prime Minister Narendra Modi pays respect to former Japanese PM Shinzo Abe at the latter's state funeral in Tokyo

"India is missing former Japanese PM Shinzo Abe," said PM Modi earlier today

(Source: DD) pic.twitter.com/8psvtnEUiA

— ANI (@ANI) September 27, 2022

This event is taking place despite the huge opposition from the local people.

It is being opposed because of the cost involved in this program.

Also, state funerals are reserved only for the royal family in Japan.

This is only the second time that a politician is being sent off from a state funeral in Japan.

The last time this happened was decades ago.

A recent survey shows that about 60 percent of Japanese people are opposed to this program.  

In a black kimono, Aki entered the hall carrying Shinzo Abe's ashes in a box.

This box was covered with decoration cloth.

A 19-gun salute was given in the honor of the former prime minister at the Budokan venue.

The former prime minister had given a new shape to Japan's foreign policy.

It also included a major improvement in relations with India.