Man Who Shot Former Japanese PM Shinzo Abe Gets Life Term

[Saba Eliza]

The individual responsible for the assassination of Japan’s former leader Shinzo Abe has received a life sentence, three and a half years subsequent to fatally shooting him during a rally in Nara in 2022.

Tetsuya Yamagami confessed to the murder charges at the beginning of his trial last year, yet the public in Japan remains divided on what his punishment should entail. While a significant portion views the 45-year-old as a ruthless killer, others show understanding towards his difficult childhood.

Prosecutors claimed that Yamagami warranted a life sentence for his "serious crime." The murder of Abe shocked the nation, which typically experiences very little gun violence.

In an attempt to seek a lighter sentence, Yamagami's legal team argued that he was a casualty of "religious maltreatment."

The family's financial ruin stemmed from his mother's commitment to the Unification Church, and Yamagami developed resentment towards Abe upon discovering the former prime minister's association with the contentious organization, as per court testimony.

On Wednesday, Judge Shinichi Tanaka of the Nara district court imposed a life sentence without the possibility of parole on Yamagami, aligning with the prosecution's request.

"The behavior of waiting for a chance, seeking a target, and attacking the victim with a firearm is vile and extraordinarily wicked," stated the judge, according to reports from public broadcaster NHK.

Yamagami remained silent with his hands together and eyes lowered while the sentence was announced. Around 700 individuals braved the cold in hopes of obtaining one of the 31 available seats in the courtroom for the proceedings.

The tragic murder of Abe, occurring in broad daylight, led to investigations into the Unification Church and its dubious activities, such as soliciting excessive financial contributions from its members.

This case also revealed connections with politicians affiliated with Japan’s ruling Liberal Democratic Party, resulting in the resignations of several officials.

Journalist Eito Suzuki, who attended nearly all of Yamagami's court sessions, described Yamagami and his family as appearing "overcome with hopelessness" throughout the legal process.

According to Suzuki, Yamagami "exuded an aura of fatigue and acceptance," adding that he had started examining the Unification Church well before the shocking assassination of Abe.

"Everything is correct. There is absolutely no doubt that I committed this act," Yamagami stated with gravity on the opening day of his trial in October 2025.

Using a homemade firearm crafted from two metal tubes and duct tape, he discharged two rounds at Abe during a political campaign gathering in Nara on 8 July 2022.

The assassination of Japan's most prominent public figure at that time—Abe, who holds the record as Japan's longest-serving prime minister—sent ripples of shock throughout the globe.

Requesting a sentence of no more than 20 years, Yamagami’s attorneys insisted he was a victim of "religious maltreatment." He harbored bitterness towards the church because his mother contributed nearly 100 million yen ($633,000; £471,000) from his late father's life insurance and other belongings, according to court records.

Yamagami expressed his resentment towards Abe, who was 67 at the time of the shooting, after viewing a video message from him at a church-related event in 2021, but he initially intended to target church officials instead of Abe.
Suzuki recalls the disbelief on Akie Abe's face when Yamagami claimed that the former prime minister was not his primary target. His remark "remains clearly imprinted in my memory," states Suzuki.

"It expressed shock, as if she were questioning: Was my spouse merely used as a pawn to avenge a grievance against the religious group? Is that all he was?"

In a heartfelt statement presented to the court, Akie Abe expressed that the grief from the loss of her husband "can never be alleviated."

"I simply wished for him to continue living," she expressed.

Established in South Korea, the Unification Church made its way to Japan during the 1960s and developed connections with politicians to expand its membership, according to scholars.

While not affiliated, Abe, similar to other Japanese political figures, would sometimes attend events related to the church. His grandfather Nobusuke Kishi, who also served as prime minister, was reportedly linked to the organization due to its anti-communist beliefs.

In March of the previous year, a Tokyo court rescinded the church's designation as a religious entity, concluding that it manipulated followers into purchasing costly items by preying on their worries regarding their spiritual health.

The group has also faced criticism for conducting large wedding ceremonies that include thousands of couples.

Yamagami's sister, who served as a witness for the defense during his trial, shared an emotional account of the "harsh conditions she and her brothers faced" due to their mother's strong commitment to the church, Suzuki recalls.

"It was a profoundly emotional experience. Almost everyone in the public audience seemed to be in tears," he notes.

However, prosecutors contend there is "a leap in reasoning" regarding why Yamagami's anger towards the church was directed at Abe. Throughout the trial, the judges posed inquiries indicating they struggled to comprehend this facet of his defense.

Observers are also split on whether Yamagami's personal losses warrant a lighter sentence for his actions.

"It is challenging to dismantle the prosecution's argument that Abe did not directly cause harm to Yamagami or his family," Suzuki remarks.

Nevertheless, he argues that Yamagami's situation exemplifies how "individuals affected by societal issues can be driven to commit serious offenses."

"This cycle needs to be interrupted; we must thoroughly investigate the reasons behind his criminal act," Suzuki asserts.

Rin Ushiyama, a sociologist at Queen's University Belfast, indicates that the empathy towards Yamagami largely stems from "the pervasive suspicion and hostility in Japan towards controversial groups such as the Unification Church."

"Yamagami was undeniably a 'victim' of neglect from his parents and the financial struggles brought on by the [Unification Church], but that does not account for, much less justify, his [actions]," Ushiyama explains.