The individual responsible for the assassination of Japan’s former leader Shinzo Abe has received a life sentence, three and a half years subsequent to fatally shooting him during a rally in Nara in 2022.

Tetsuya Yamagamiconfessed to the murder charges at the beginning of his trial last year, yet the public in Japan remains divided on what his punishment should entail. While a significant portion views the 45-year-old as a ruthless killer, others show understanding towards his difficult childhood.

Prosecutors claimed that Yamagami warranted a life sentence for his "serious crime." The murder of Abe shocked the nation, which typically experiences very little gun violence.

In an attempt to seek a lighter sentence, Yamagami's legal team argued that he was a casualty of "religious maltreatment."

The family's financial ruin stemmed from his mother's commitment to the Unification Church, and Yamagami developed resentment towards Abe upon discovering the former prime minister's association with the contentious organization, as per court testimony.

On Wednesday, Judge Shinichi Tanaka of the Nara district court imposed a life sentence without the possibility of parole on Yamagami, aligning with the prosecution's request.

"The behavior of waiting for a chance, seeking a target, and attacking the victim with a firearm is vile and extraordinarily wicked," stated the judge, according to reports from public broadcaster NHK.

Yamagami remained silent with his hands together and eyes lowered while the sentence was announced. Around 700 individuals braved the cold in hopes of obtaining one of the 31 available seats in the courtroom for the proceedings.

The tragic murder of Abe, occurring in broad daylight, led to investigations into the Unification Church and its dubious activities, such as soliciting excessive financial contributions from its members.

This case also revealed connections with politicians affiliated with Japan’s ruling Liberal Democratic Party, resulting in the resignations of several officials.

Journalist Eito Suzuki, who attended nearly all of Yamagami's court sessions, described Yamagami and his family as appearing "overcome with hopelessness" throughout the legal process.

According to Suzuki, Yamagami "exuded an aura of fatigue and acceptance," adding that he had started examining the Unification Church well before the shocking assassination of Abe.

"Everything is correct. There is absolutely no doubt that I committed this act," Yamagami stated with gravity on the opening day of his trial in October 2025.

Using a homemade firearm crafted from two metal tubes and duct tape, he discharged two rounds at Abe during a political campaign gathering in Nara on 8 July 2022.

The assassination of Japan's most prominent public figure at that time—Abe, who holds the record as Japan's longest-serving prime minister—sent ripples of shock throughout the globe.

Requesting a sentence of no more than 20 years, Yamagami’s attorneys insisted he was a victim of "religious maltreatment." He harbored bitterness towards the church because his mother contributed nearly 100 million yen ($633,000; £471,000) from his late father's life insurance and other belongings, according to court records.