Prime Minister Kishida concluded the first day of “diplomacy of condolence” with more than 10 foreign leaders on the 26th and, in a meeting with US Vice President Harris, expressed his desire to further develop bilateral relations, following the wishes by former Prime Minister Abe showed it.
Prime Minister Kishida said: “It is my duty to carry forward the will (of former Prime Minister Abe), develop the diplomatic legacy and further develop bilateral relations.”
In addition, Prime Minister Kishida has called for cooperation in building a free and open Indo-Pacific supported by former Prime Minister Abe.
In response, Vice President Harris said, “America’s commitment to Japan’s defense is unwavering” and added, “When Japan is threatened, we are ready to stick together.”
Subsequently, a dinner was held with Vice President Harris and others, and it is believed that they exchanged views on the growing tensions in Taiwan and the Russian invasion of Ukraine.
The diplomacy of condolence will be held for three days until the 28th and Prime Minister Kishida plans to hold talks with foreign dignitaries from over 30 countries.
On the other hand, opposition parties and civic groups have appealed against “state funerals” inside and outside the Diet.
Junya Ogawa, former head of politics of the Constitutional Democratic Party of Japan, said: “Tomorrow Mr. Kishida will force him, but I would like him to regret his decision.”
Social Democratic Party leader Mizuho Fukushima “It’s not too late, cancel it now”
On the night of the 26th, in front of Tokyo’s Shinjuku station, lawmakers from opposition parties such as the Constitutional Democratic Party of Japan and citizen groups opposed to the state funeral said: “It is impossible to force condolences.” And so on.
In the Diet, journalist Shuntaro Torigoe and other experts, including university professors, held a rally to oppose the state funeral.
Reporter Shuntaro Torigoe said, “The state funeral for Mr. Shinzo Abe, which the Kishida government is trying to do, is a minority among the people. It is not the majority.”
On the 27th, demonstrations are planned around the Budokan where the national funeral will be held and in front of the main gate of the Diet.
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