Tetsuya Yamagami, the man accused of assassinating former Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, has pleaded guilty to murder and weapons violations. The 45-year-old appeared in the Nara District Court, where he calmly stated, "Everything is true," confirming his involvement in the shocking incident that took place on July 8, 2022.

Abe, Japan's longest-serving leader, was shot while delivering a campaign speech in Nara. Yamagami used a homemade firearm for the attack and was arrested at the scene. Despite immediate medical attention, Abe succumbed to his injuries shortly after.

During the trial, Yamagami revealed that his actions were motivated by a deep-seated grudge against the Unification Church, which he blamed for his family's financial ruin. His mother had reportedly donated around 100 million yen (approximately $663,218) to the church, leading the family into bankruptcy. Yamagami's resentment was further fueled by the church's historical ties to Abe's family, particularly his grandfather, Nobusuke Kishi, who had facilitated the church's introduction to Japan.

The trial has garnered significant public interest, with many people queuing for a chance to attend. The court plans to hold multiple hearings through December, with a verdict expected on January 21. Yamagami's case has also sparked discussions about the connections between the Unification Church and Japan's ruling Liberal Democratic Party, raising concerns about public trust in the government.

In March, a Tokyo court ordered the dissolution of the Japanese branch of the Unification Church, citing systematic exploitation of its followers. The church has appealed this ruling, which affects its tax-exempt status but allows it to continue operating. Witnesses in Yamagami's trial are expected to include his mother, a religious scholar, and a lawmaker who was present during the assassination.