Tetsuya Yamagami, who pleaded guilty to killing former Japanese prime minister Shinzo Abe in 2022, was sentenced to life in prison on January 21. The 45-year-old shot Abe at a political rally in Nara, using a homemade gun.
Prosecutors argued Yamagami’s act was «grave» and deserved the harshest penalty. The case shocked Japan, where gun violence is rare, and sparked a national debate about the motive behind the killing.
Defence claims religious abuse, court unconvinced
Yamagami’s lawyers sought a reduced sentence, arguing he was a victim of «religious abuse» linked to the Unification Church. They said his mother’s devotion bankrupted the family, and Yamagami developed resentment after learning of Abe’s ties to the church.
His defence said he was driven by «deep grief and anger» after the church consumed his family’s finances.
In a statement read at the hearing, Abe’s widow Akie said her loss would never fade. She said she had «just wanted him to stay alive» and described the pain as endless.
Yamagami told the court in October 2025, «Everything is true. There is no doubt that I did this.»
He said he initially planned to attack church executives, not Abe, after seeing a video of the former prime minister at a church event.
Broader fallout for politics and religion
The assassination triggered investigations into the Unification Church and its fundraising practices, including claims that followers were pressured into expensive donations. It also exposed links between the church and politicians, leading to resignations in the ruling Liberal Democratic Party.
Journalist Eito Suzuki, who covered the trial, said Yamagami and his family appeared «overwhelmed with despair» throughout the hearings.
Some observers say Tetsuya Yamagami’s family hardship explains his motive, while others argue it does not justify murder. Sociologist Rin Ushiyama said sympathy for Yamagami comes from distrust of controversial religious groups, but added that hardship does not excuse violence.
