The Japanese government has finished hearing from intellectuals over its handling of the state funeral for former Prime Minister Abe Shinzo, who was gunned down in July.

Public opinion split over the September funeral, with opponents saying its legal grounds were ambiguous.

Government sources say about 20 experts provided their views on a broad range of aspects, such as a proper budget size and legal foundations. They included scholars on the Constitution and administrative law.

The government plans to publicize a summary report by the end of the year and study how it should deal with state funerals.

The government will likely examine how the Diet should be involved in such ceremonies and whether rules should be set to hold them.

A consultative body formed by the ruling and opposition parties concluded in a report that it is desirable to allow the Diet to conduct adequate oversight.