Shinzo Abe’s widow Akie Abe left for the former Japanese Prime Minister’s state funeral on Tuesday carrying an urn containing the ashes of the 67-year-old. He was assasinated at a political event earlier this year. 

Several world leaders were present at Abe’s state funeral, which has been opposed by hundreds of demonstrators over the past two months. 

Also read: Why Japanese are protesting former PM Shinzo Abe’s state funeral

Who is Akie Abe?

Born Akie Matsuzaki in Tokyo, Shinzo Abe’s widow is a Japanese radio DJ. She is 60 years old. 

Akie’s father was the president of Morinaga & Co., one of Japan’s largest confectionery companies. She completed her education at Sacred Heart School in Tokyo before graduating from Sacred Heart Professional Training College. The 60-year-old then worked for Dentsu Inc., the world’s largest advertising agency. She was popular in the broadcast area and was known by her jockey name, “Akky”. 

Also read: From Narendra Modi to Kamala Harris, leaders attending Shinzo Abe’s funeral

She married Abe in 1987. The couple had no children.

According to The Straits Times, Akie comes from a wealthy household. She earned her master’s degree from Rikkyo University in 2011. She grew her own organic rice, in a paddy located in her husband’s home prefecture, and served it at her restaurant, according to CNN.

Akie has been a vocal supporter of sexual minorities and the LGBT community. On April 27, 2014, she joined the gay pride parade in Tokyo. In 2015, she was photographed standing in a field of cannabis plants promoting the revival of the cannabis culture in Japan. 

Also read: Why Japan is divided over former PM Shinzo Abe’s funeral

Tokyo was under maximum security, with a large number of uniformed police mobilize around the Budokan hall, where the funeral is being held, and major train stations. Roads around the venue are closed throughout the day, and coin lockers at main stations were sealed for security.

Hours before the ceremony began, dozens of people carrying bouquets of flowers queued at public flower-laying stands at nearby Kudanzaka park.