Temporary Altar For Abe Near Nara Shooting Site Removed
Officials in Nara City have removed a temporary altar to former Japanese Prime Minister Abe Shinzo for safety reasons. It was located near where he was fatally shot earlier this month.
Workers packed up flowers and offerings and folded up a table near Yamatosaidaiji Station on Tuesday morning.
City officials say they decided to remove the altar because it was creating traffic congestion and making it difficult for pedestrians to pass through the area.
More than 100,000 people are said to have visited the altar since it was erected on July 8, the day of the shooting.
A man in his 50s who came to the altar site said he wanted to pay his respects in person, and he's full of grief.
A 73-year-old woman said she brought flowers from her home, but she was disappointed as the altar had already been removed. She said she wanted to tell Abe to rest in peace.
Officials say they would like people coming to pay their respects to take their flowers back with them.