In a case that has captivated Japan and reverberated through its political landscape, Tetsuya Yamagami has been sentenced to life in prison for the assassination of former Prime Minister Shinzo Abe. The verdict, delivered by a Nara district court, comes over three years after Abe was fatally shot during a campaign rally in July 2022.

The Crime and Its Motive

Yamagami, 45, admitted to the killing, citing a deep-seated grudge against Abe due to his connections with the Unification Church. This religious group, often criticized for its controversial practices, was blamed by Yamagami for his family's financial downfall. His mother, a devout follower, had donated substantial sums to the church, leading to their bankruptcy. Yamagami's defense argued that he was a victim of "religious abuse," seeking a reduced sentence of no more than 20 years.

Impact on Japanese Politics

Abe's assassination not only shocked a nation unaccustomed to gun violence but also exposed the intricate ties between the Unification Church and Japan's ruling Liberal Democratic Party (LDP). The investigation revealed that many politicians, including Abe, had longstanding connections with the church, which has been influential in Japanese politics since the 1960s. This revelation led to the resignation of several cabinet ministers and intensified public scrutiny of political-religious affiliations.

Public and Legal Reactions

The trial, which began in October 2025, drew significant public interest, with nearly 700 people attending the sentencing hearing. Journalist Eito Suzuki, who covered the trial extensively, noted the despair evident in Yamagami and his family throughout the proceedings. Abe's widow, Akie, expressed her enduring sorrow in a poignant court statement, questioning whether her husband's death was merely a means to settle a personal vendetta against the church.