Shinzo Abe

Japan's government has asked a court to remove the legal standing and tax breaks of the Unification Church, which was tied to the shocking assassination of former Prime Minister Shinzo Abe last year.

More protests are expected before the state funeral next week for Japan's divisive former leader. Shinzo Abe's assassination in July has highlighted the Unification Church's ties to Japanese politics.

The assassination, allegedly motivated by a grudge Abe's suspected killer held against the Unification Church, has put the relationship between Japan and the church under a new spotlight.

Japanese bid their final goodbye to former Prime Minister Shinzo Abe on Tuesday as a funeral was held at a temple days after his assassination that shocked the nation.

Tetsuya Yamagami, the unemployed 41-year-old who confessed to assassinating Shinzo Abe, reportedly planned the attack for months. He told police his motivations were not political.

Shinzo Abe had been Japan's longest-serving prime minister and remained a force in politics after stepping down in 2020.

The former chief Cabinet secretary and government spokesman was sworn in as the country's first new prime minister in almost eight years after Shinzo Abe stepped down citing health concerns.

Abe announced he is leaving office before his term ends in 2021 because of poor health. His legacy is controversial and a successor is unclear.

Even though Japan has not seen the same devastating numbers as some others, its prime minister is still grappling with dissatisfaction at home over what critics call a botched response.

The prime minister confirmed Monday that he would issue the declaration that allows governors of hard-hit prefectures to issue stay-at-home directives.