NARA, Japan — Tetsuya Yamagami, the man charged with the assassination of former Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, offered his first apology to Abe’s family during a court appearance on Thursday. Expressing his remorse, Yamagami conveyed “deeply sorry” sentiments directed at Akie Abe, the widow of the slain leader.
Yamagami, who had previously admitted to the murder, used a homemade firearm to shoot Abe during a political campaign in the western city of Nara on July 8, 2022. The former prime minister succumbed to his injuries shortly after the attack, prompting an outpouring of grief and shock both in Japan and around the globe. Abe was known for his assertive foreign policy and his economic framework widely called “Abenomics.”
During the proceedings, Yamagami reflected on the impact of his actions, stating, “I have caused them three and a half years of suffering… I have no excuse.” His statements provided a somber glimpse into the emotional aftermath of the tragedy for both the victim’s family and the nation.
Authorities have linked Yamagami’s motivations to deep-seated grievances against the Unification Church, which he accused of financially ruining his family. Investigations into the church commenced following the assassination, particularly due to the allegations that the organization had drawn the former prime minister’s favor. The church, founded in South Korea and known for its mass wedding ceremonies, has faced scrutiny for its influence in Japanese society well before Abe’s assassination.
In March, a Tokyo court mandated the dissolution of the Unification Church in Japan, a ruling the organization announced it would contest vigorously. The church has faced consistent backlash following claims that it targets vulnerable individuals through its recruitment practices, further complicating its relationship with Japan’s political framework.
Shinzo Abe’s lineage also connects him to the church; his grandfather, Nobusuke Kishi, served as Japan’s prime minister and was recognized for his ties to the organization, largely due to its staunch anti-communist stance. Abe had personally participated in events associated with the church, further complicating public perceptions about his political affiliations.
As the trial proceeds, the emotional toll on Abe’s family remains palpable. Just last month, the court heard a moving statement from Akie Abe, expressing the profound and enduring grief stemming from her husband’s death: “The sorrow of losing a husband will not be relieved.”
As both the judiciary and the public reflect on this tragedy, the effects of the assassination continue to resonate throughout Japan, igniting discussions about political violence, accountability, and the influence of religious organizations in governance.