Civil groups in Japan have protested the government's decision to hold a state funeral for former Prime Minister Abe Shinzo.

Abe was shot dead on July 8 while giving an election campaign speech in Nara City, western Japan.

Organizers of the rally said that about 400 people, including members of 11 organizations and individuals, took part. They gathered in front of the prime minister's office in Tokyo on Friday.

Leaders of the groups said a state funeral would "force the people to mourn," and that it would "cover up the negative aspects of Abe's career as prime minister."

Participants shouted that they are against a state funeral, and that they won't allow such an event to be used for political purposes.

Social Democratic Party leader Fukushima Mizuho, who was at the rally, pointed out that former Prime Minister Sato Eisaku did not get a state funeral due to the lack of a legal basis. She said there is no legal basis for Abe's state funeral either, so it is not right for the Cabinet to decide to have one.

Sato Eisaku served as prime minister in 1960s to 70s. He won the Nobel Peace Prize in 1974.