Japanese Defendant Confesses to Killing Ex-PM Abe in Court Debut
On October 28, 2025, Tetsuya Yamagami, a 45-year-old man accused of murdering former Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, confessed to the crime during his first court hearing at the Nara District Court in Japan. This trial follows the shocking assassination of Abe, Japan’s longest-serving prime minister, which occurred during an election campaign event in July 2022.
Tetsuya Yamagami’s Admission of Guilt
In the courtroom, Yamagami appeared calm as he admitted, “It is true that I did it.” He was dressed in a black sweatshirt and gray trousers, his long hair tied back. This significant confession marks the start of a high-profile trial that is set to unfold over the coming weeks.
Details of the Assassination
Abe was shot while giving a speech in the western city of Nara. Yamagami was arrested at the scene with a homemade gun, raising questions about gun control laws in Japan. During the proceedings, Yamagami’s lawyer asked for leniency, stating that the handmade weapon did not fit the legal definition of a handgun under Japan’s Firearms and Swords Control Act.
Context of the Trial
This trial opened on the same day as a significant summit attended by current Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi and U.S. President Donald Trump. Trump, reflecting on his relationship with Abe, called him “a great friend of mine and a great friend of yours.”
- Shinzo Abe: Former Prime Minister of Japan and the country’s longest-serving leader.
- Tetsuya Yamagami: The accused, who admitted to the murder in court.
- Date of Assassination: July 2022 during an election campaign.
- Trial Start Date: October 28, 2025.
- Verdict Date: January 21, 2026.
Motivation Behind the Crime
Yamagami has reportedly expressed resentment towards Abe for his alleged association with the Unification Church. This group has been under scrutiny, especially after revelations of its connections to several lawmakers from Abe’s Liberal Democratic Party (LDP), impacting the party’s public support.
The ongoing trial is expected to include up to 17 additional hearings before the final verdict is issued in January. As the legal proceedings unfold, Japan watches closely, reflecting on the complexities surrounding this tragic event and its implications for the political landscape.
