It would be Harris’ first visit to Japan in her current capacity. She is expected to meet Japanese prime minister Fumio Kishida.

Former president Barack Obama is also set to attend the funeral, as are French president Emmanuel Macron and former German chancellor Angela Merkel.

Tokyo will announce the list of attendees just before the event.

The idea to send Harris emerged after it became clear that President Joe Biden will not be able to attend due to scheduling conflicts. The White House is intent on honouring Abe’s achievements – including the proposal of a free and open Indo-Pacific – and to highlight the importance of the US-Japan alliance.

In a potential Kishida-Harris meeting, China’s military drills around Taiwan and the Ukraine war will be major topics of discussion. The two will also exchange views on security in Asia.

Harris is the country’s first Asian-American vice-president, born to a mother from India.