But the event is taking place amid anger in Japan that taxpayers will be footing the $11.5 million bill to honor a leader who was popular abroad but often polarizing at home. Compounding the furor, a scandal has engulfed the ruling Liberal Democratic Party since its ties to a religious group came under the spotlight in the weeks since the former conservative leader was fatally shot.

As world gathers to honor Abe, Japan grapples with church’s influence

The suspect, Tetsuya Yamagami, told police he wanted to carry out the assassination because his life and family had been ruined as a result of his mother’s large donations to the Unification Church, to which Abe had apparent close ties. The church has confirmed that Yamagami’s mother was a member.

Hundreds of protesters gathered Monday night outside one of Tokyo’s most congested subway stations in Shinjuku to protest the funeral. Demonstrations are expected outside the Diet, Japan’s national assembly, during the service, which will begin at 2 p.m. local time at the Nippon Budokan hall in the capital.

Japanese authorities have stepped up security measures for the occasion, particularly in light of the acknowledged lapses that enabled the gunman to approach Abe and open fire with a homemade weapon during a campaign event.

About 4,300 guests, including about 700 from overseas, were expected to attend Tuesday’s closed ceremony, according to Nikkei Asia. Members of the public would be offering flowers at a park near the Nippon Budokan.

Before the funeral, Harris held bilateral meetings with South Korean Prime Minister Han Duck-soo and Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese. Her advisers had said the discussions would cover regional economic and security issues, including China’s actions in the Taiwan Strait and cooperation against Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.

Japanese police chiefs resign over security lapses in Abe assassination

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