zlacker

His public image took a nosedive after his death.

I think that had far more to do with it than saving a few yen.

>>vkou+(OP)
I know, but there would've been opposition to a state funeral regardless. The Japanese public perceived the state funeral and the decision-making process behind it as corrupt.

Here's a Japanese article from when the decision was made. Note that the scandal leading to his assassination, which was a significant issue in its own right, isn't even mentioned. That's because the decision to hold a state funeral was itself very scandalous.

https://www.nhk.or.jp/politics/articles/feature/89302.html

>>sorami+Ql
Also the cost of the funeral was 1.6 billion yen, which is definitely not "a few yen." It's crazy to think that taxpayers would be just fine with that.

https://www.yomiuri.co.jp/politics/20220921-OYT1T50164/

>>sorami+VW
I put it down to the diverging opinion between gov and people on the effectiveness of Abe's policies (Abenomics, defense, etc)