NARA - The trial of Tetsuya Yamagami, the 45-year-old accused of fatally shooting former Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, began on October 28th at the Nara District Court. While Yamagami has admitted to killing Abe, the central issue now lies in determining his sentence.
According to Hidetoshi Hiramatsu, deputy chief commentator, the case is unprecedented not only for its gravity but also for the number of hearings—19 sessions in total, including reserve dates—with a verdict expected on January 21st, 2026. During the second day of proceedings on October 29th, Yamagami appeared in court wearing glasses, listening as prosecutors presented evidence and called testimony from Upper House member Kei Sato, who was standing near Abe at the time of the shooting.
The prosecution argues that Yamagami, harboring resentment toward the Unification Church, targeted Abe because of the former leader’s perceived ties to the organization. They describe the assassination as a brazen act in broad daylight before a large crowd—an unprecedented crime in postwar Japan that caused immense social shock.
The defense, meanwhile, claims that Yamagami’s background amounts to religious abuse, as his mother was a devoted member of the Unification Church. They argue that this upbringing deeply affected his personality and actions, and that his motive should be considered a mitigating factor in sentencing.
Hiramatsu explained that prosecutors reject leniency, saying many people suffer under similar circumstances without resorting to violence. They contend that Yamagami’s actions were driven by personal resentment and delusion, not by circumstances that justify sympathy.
Past cases involving assassinations of politicians are being referenced for comparison. In 2002, lawmaker Koki Ishii was killed outside his home, and in 2007, Nagasaki Mayor Itcho Ito was shot dead—both resulting in life imprisonment sentences. However, given the national and global impact of Abe’s killing, legal experts suggest the prosecution may seek either life imprisonment or the death penalty.
As the trial continues, the defense plans to call witnesses to demonstrate the effects of Yamagami’s upbringing and religious abuse, seeking to establish grounds for leniency. Commentator Patrick Harlan, known as Pack’n, noted that to gain sympathy, the defense must convincingly explain the psychological link between Yamagami’s resentment toward the religious group and his decision to attack Abe.
Hiramatsu concluded that the outcome will hinge on whether the defense can effectively prove in court how religious abuse influenced Yamagami’s motives—a question that will shape the course of this landmark trial.
Source: FNN
