Tetsuya Yamagami, 45, has pleaded guilty to the killing of former Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe during his trial in Tokyo. Abe died in 2022 after being shot with a homemade gun at a political campaign event. The assassination led to increased scrutiny of the Unification Church and its alleged links to the ruling Liberal Democratic Party.
The Assassination Event
Former Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, 67, was shot multiple times with a homemade gun during a political campaign event in Nara, western Japan, in 2022. He died in hospital later the same day.
Perpetrator and Stated Motivations
Tetsuya Yamagami, 45, admitted to the charges in court in Tokyo. Yamagami reportedly told investigators he targeted Abe due to Abe's alleged promotion of the Unification Church, also known as the "Moonies." Yamagami claimed the church's practices had caused financial distress to his mother and family. He alleged his mother made donations to the church totaling approximately 100 million yen ($660,000) as an expression of her faith.
Aftermath and Investigations
The assassination highlighted links between Abe's ruling Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) and the Unification Church. These allegations led to investigations into the church, which originated in South Korea and is known for its mass weddings. Four ministers subsequently resigned.
In March of this year, a Tokyo court ordered the disbandment of the Unification Church, revoking its tax-exempt status and requiring it to liquidate its assets. Yamagami's mother, who is expected to be a witness in the trial, has reportedly maintained her beliefs, with the Japan Times reporting her statement to Japanese media that the event strengthened her faith.
Trial Details and Legal Changes
Yamagami's trial is projected to conclude in January. He has denied charges related to violations of arms control laws, with his lawyer arguing in court that the homemade weapon did not fit the specified legal category, according to NHK.
Japan, which has low levels of gun violence, has since strengthened its laws regarding homemade firearms following Abe's killing.