In a landmark ruling that underscores Japan’s strict stance on political violence, the Nara District Court has sentenced Tetsuya Yamagami, the man convicted of assassinating former Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, to life imprisonment. The 45-year-old defendant admitted to using a homemade gun to carry out the shocking attack during a campaign speech in Nara on July 8, 2022, which claimed the life of one of Japan’s most influential leaders at age 67.
The court described the act as ‘heinous and extremely dangerous,’ rejecting defense pleas for a lighter sentence. Prosecutors had demanded life imprisonment, citing the premeditated nature of the crime and Yamagami’s violation of firearms laws. During the trial, Yamagami’s lawyers argued for no more than 20 years, blaming his tragic upbringing and grievances against the Unification Church, which they claimed drove him to desperation.
Yamagami openly confessed to crafting the weapon at home and targeting Abe due to his deep-seated resentment toward the Unification Church. He alleged that his mother’s donation of over 100 million yen—equivalent to about $633,000—to the group had devastated his family financially. In his view, Abe was a key figure enabling the church’s political influence in Japan.
The assassination not only ended Abe’s life but also ignited a national reckoning with the Unification Church’s practices. Public outrage over aggressive fundraising tactics led to a government investigation, culminating in a Tokyo court order to dissolve the organization and strip it of its religious corporation status and tax benefits. In response, Japan enacted a 2022 law to regulate manipulative donation schemes, particularly highlighting the plight of ‘second-generation’ followers burdened by their parents’ commitments.
Shinzo Abe’s legacy as Japan’s longest-serving prime minister remains indelible. Born into a prominent political dynasty, he rose through the ranks, serving briefly in 2006-2007 before returning triumphantly in 2012. His eight-year tenure propelled economic reforms and a more assertive foreign policy, though health issues forced his resignation in 2020. This verdict closes a dark chapter, reaffirming the rule of law amid profound societal reflections on faith, finance, and power.
