Man Pleads Guilty to Assassinating Former Japanese PM Shinzo Abe
In a dramatic courtroom moment in Tokyo, Tetsuya Yamagami, the man accused of assassinating former Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, has pleaded guilty. On the first day of his long-awaited trial, Yamagami, 45, admitted to all charges read by prosecutors and told the court, “Everything is true.” His confession marked a significant step in one of Japan’s most shocking crimes in recent memory — the killing of its longest-serving leader.
Abe was fatally shot on July 8, 2022, while giving a campaign speech in the western city of Nara. The weapon used was a homemade gun, a rarity in Japan, where firearm laws are among the strictest in the world. Abe was hit several times and pronounced dead later that day in the hospital, sending ripples of grief and disbelief across Japan and beyond.
Also Read:- Trump and Japan’s Takaichi Forge New Era with Rare Earths Deal
- Giants’ Cam Skattebo Out for Season After Gruesome Ankle Injury
Yamagami’s motive, according to police investigations, stemmed from his deep resentment toward the Unification Church — a controversial religious organization founded in South Korea, sometimes referred to as the “Moonies.” He claimed that his family had been financially destroyed by his mother’s massive donations to the church, which reportedly totaled around 100 million yen, or roughly $660,000. Yamagami believed Abe had close ties to the group and held him responsible for promoting it publicly.
This case cast an intense spotlight on the connections between the Unification Church and Japan’s ruling Liberal Democratic Party (LDP), which Abe once led. The revelations that over 100 LDP lawmakers had some form of link to the church caused widespread outrage and political fallout. Several ministers resigned, and public trust in the government took a serious hit. Eventually, in March 2025, a Tokyo court ordered the disbandment of the Unification Church, stripping it of tax privileges and requiring it to liquidate assets.
Interestingly, Yamagami’s mother — who may be called to testify — has reportedly remained steadfast in her faith despite the tragedy, even saying the incident has strengthened her belief. Her comments have drawn further public attention and divided opinion across Japan.
Yamagami’s trial will continue with 17 additional hearings scheduled before the end of this year, and a verdict is expected by January 21, 2026. While he has admitted to the killing, his defense team is contesting parts of the charges, including whether the homemade firearm used truly meets the legal definition under Japan’s arms control laws.
In the aftermath of Abe’s death, Japan has tightened regulations around homemade weapons and reinforced its already strict gun laws. The assassination remains a painful reminder of how even in one of the world’s safest nations, moments of political violence can shake the foundations of society.
Read More:
0 Comments