Crowds gather in Tokyo to say final farewell to late former Prime Minister Shinzo Abe

(CNN)Family and close friends attended the funeral of former Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe in Tokyo on Tuesday, with crowds gathering on the streets of the capital to pay their last respects, four days after the shock of his assassination reverberated across the world.

The private funeral was hosted at the centuries-old Zojoji Temple by Abe’s widow, Akie Abe. Well-wishers queued outside, bringing flowers, notes and green tea — symbols of help in the afterlife — to pay their respects to Abe, Japan’s longest-serving prime minister.

Following the service, a hearse carrying the former leader’s body traveled from the temple to the Kirigaya Funeral Hall for cremation, passing significant buildings including the Prime Minister’s office and the Parliament building.

Large crowds lined the streets to catch a glimpse of the hearse. Many waved and raised their arms in the air as the vehicle drove past, while others bowed their heads in respect.  Read more »