In a high-profile case that shook Japan and resonated across Asia, a court in Nara has sentenced Tetsuya Yamagami to life in prison for the 2022 assassination of former Prime Minister Shinzo Abe. The verdict came in January 2026, almost three and a half years after the shocking attack during a campaign speech.
Yamagami was arrested in July 2022 after firing a homemade gun at close range. Although Abe stepped down as prime minister in 2020, his influence in the ruling Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) remained strong—making the attack an unprecedented shock to Japan’s political scene.
The trial also put a spotlight on the LDP’s ties with the Unification Church, a religious group often called a cult by critics. Evidence revealed deep connections between party members and the organization, sparking debates about transparency and ethics in politics.
Today, Abe’s protégé Sanae Takaichi leads the LDP and Japan’s government. But the party’s once-tight grip on power has loosened, with public trust dipping and younger voters calling for greater accountability.
For young people across South and Southeast Asia, this case is a reminder of the importance of political accountability and civic engagement. Whether you’re following campus debates in Delhi or social media campaigns in Jakarta, the message is clear: staying informed and speaking up matters. 💬✨
As Yamagami begins his life sentence, the focus shifts to how Japan’s political landscape will evolve—will the LDP rebuild trust, or will new voices rise? Stay tuned as the ripple effects of this landmark verdict continue to unfold. 🌊🗳️
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Japan court sentences former PM Abe's assassin to life in prison
cgtn.com
