Life Sentence Issued for Abe Assassination in Japan
The perpetrator of the assassination of former Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe has received a life sentence. Tetsuya Yamagami, aged 45, was convicted for fatally shooting Abe in July 2022. The incident occurred during a campaign speech in Nara, a city located in western Japan, where Yamagami used a makeshift firearm crafted from pipes, wood, and duct tape.
Details of the Assassination
On that fateful day, Abe was surrounded by security personnel, media, and supporters at the Yamato-Saidaiji train station when he was attacked. Yamagami had previously admitted to the crime and cited specific motives for his actions during the trial.
Motivation Behind the Crime
Yamagami confessed to targeting Abe due to alleged connections to the Unification Church, a controversial organization that he holds responsible for his family’s financial ruin. He claimed that his mother, a devoted member of the church, made significant donations that ultimately led to their bankruptcy.
In court, Yamagami characterized Abe as the “centre of the Unification Church’s political involvement” in Japan. He stated, “I thought that striking back at the Unification Church and dealing it a blow was the purpose of my life.”
Legal Proceedings and Sentencing
During the trial, Yamagami’s defense team sought a more lenient sentence of no more than 20 years. However, prosecutors described the assassination as “an unprecedented crime in our country’s postwar history.” They maintained that despite Yamagami’s difficult upbringing, he was fully aware of the nature of his actions.
Unification Church Under Scrutiny
The assassination has prompted extensive investigations into the Unification Church, which has long been a controversial entity in Japanese society. The church was founded in South Korea and is well-known for its mass wedding ceremonies.
- Abe had previously participated in events associated with the church.
- In early 2025, a Tokyo court ordered the church’s dissolution for manipulating followers into excessive donations.
The case continues to resonate in Japan, drawing attention to the complex dynamics between politics and religious organizations.
