Life Sentence for Man Who Killed Japan’s Ex-PM Shinzo Abe
Tetsuya Yamagami Sentenced After Assassination of Shinzo Abe
The man responsible for the assassination of Japan’s former prime minister, Shinzo Abe, has received a life sentence, three and a half years after he fatally shot the ex-leader during a rally in Nara in 2022. Tetsuya Yamagami, who was arrested shortly after the incident, pleaded guilty at the trial’s opening last year. However, the public remains divided on the appropriateness of the punishment, reflecting varying perspectives on Yamagami’s troubled past.
Public Reaction and Legal Arguments
– Many view Yamagami, 45, as a cold-blooded murderer.
– Others express sympathy for his difficult upbringing.
– Prosecutors urged for life imprisonment, describing the act as grave.
– Yamagami’s defense team sought leniency, presenting him as a victim of religious abuse.
– They highlighted that his mother’s devotion to the Unification Church led to the family’s bankruptcy, fueling Yamagami’s resentment after discovering Abe’s ties to the church.
On the day of sentencing, nearly 700 people lined up outside the Nara district court, illustrating the public’s deep engagement with the case. Abe’s shocking death during a daylight speech not only horrified the nation, where gun crime is extremely rare, but also prompted thorough investigations into the Unification Church and its controversial practices, which included soliciting large donations from followers.
Impact of the Assassination
The assassination also unveiled connections between the Unification Church and members of Japan’s ruling Liberal Democratic Party, resulting in the resignations of several cabinet ministers. Journalist Eito Suzuki, who attended almost every court session, described Yamagami and his family as overwhelmed with despair throughout the proceedings.
On the first day of trial in October 2025, Yamagami admitted, Everything is true. There is no doubt that I did this. Armed with a homemade firearm, constructed from metal pipes and duct tape, he shot Abe at a political campaign event on July 8, 2022. This shocking act against Japan’s longest-serving prime minister resonated globally.
Conflicting Perspectives on Responsibility
Yamagami’s lawyers tried to minimize his sentence by suggesting he was a product of religious abuse, claiming he had originally intended to target church executives rather than Abe. Yamagami’s mother had contributed 100 million yen (approximately S$828,750) from family assets to the church, which led to deep personal grievances. Suzuki recalls the visceral impact of Akie Abe’s facial expression when Yamagami revealed that her husband was not his primary target. Her astonished look communicated disbelief and sorrow, raising questions about the intent behind the attack.
In a heartfelt statement to the court, Akie Abe expressed that the pain of losing her husband will never be relieved.
The Role of the Unification Church
Founded in South Korea during the 1960s, the Unification Church developed connections with various Japanese politicians, including Abe. He maintained a sporadic presence at church events, partly due to his grandfather’s ties with the organization, known for its staunch anti-communist stance. In March of last year, a Tokyo court stripped the church of its status as a religious corporation, citing coercive practices towards followers.
Yamagami’s sister, offering emotional testimony during the trial, detailed the hardships faced by their family due to their mother’s excessive involvement with the church. This moment resonated deeply with the audience, eliciting tears from many.
Debate Over Justification for Actions
Despite the emotional arguments presented, prosecutors contended that Yamagami’s logic in targeting Abe was flawed. The judges also indicated difficulty in understanding this reasoning. Observers remain divided on whether Yamagami’s personal struggles warrant a lighter sentence.
Suzuki argues that the case highlights how victims of social issues can commit severe crimes and emphasizes the importance of addressing underlying problems. Rin Ushiyama, a sociologist at Queen’s University Belfast, noted that while Yamagami can be viewed as a victim of parental neglect and financial struggles linked to the Unification Church, such factors do not excuse his actions.
Conclusion: Understanding the Tragedy
The life sentence for Tetsuya Yamagami stands as a significant moment in Japan’s history, illuminating the complexities of personal grievances, cultural tensions, and the influence of controversial organizations. As the nation reflects on this tragedy, it serves as a reminder that the roots of violence often lie deep within social and familial struggles.