The remains of murdered former Japanese prime minister Shinzo Abe has arrived his home in Tokyo, a day after he was shot dead while on the campaign trail in the city of Nara.
The body of the 67-year-old was accompanied by his widow, Akie Abe, as it was transported by ambulance.
Prime Minister Fumio Kishida who paid a condolence visit, said he was “simply speechless”, vowing that Japan’s democracy would “never yield to violence”.
Well-wishers have been leaving flowers at the site of the shooting.
The alleged gunman 41,named Tetsuya Yamagami shot Abe from behind with a home-made gun at close range.
The man reportedly held a grudge against an unnamed religious group that he believed had links to Abe.
The Japanese police now face many questions about how the shooting could have happened, with experts asking why those working in Abe’s security detail were unable to prevent the attack.
The National Police Agency intends to review its security arrangements for the protection of prominent figures, according to media reports.
The police searched the perpetrator’s flat on Friday, seizing several other home-made firearms.
The assassin was reportedly unemployed, but is believed to have served in the navy for three years before his discharge in 2005.
It is thought the suspect received handgun training during his time in the navy.
Japan is considered one of the safest countries in the world and has extremely strict gun laws.
The assassination happened in the run up to elections for the upper house of parliament on Sunday.
The vote is to take place as planned in spite of the attack, according to the government.
According to reports, a night vigil will be held on Monday and Abe’s funeral is due to take place on Tuesday.
Abe was Japan’s longest-serving prime minister and his death at the age of 67 has profoundly shocked a country where gun crime is very rare.