The gunman accused of killing Japan’s former Prime Minister Shinzo Abe pleaded guilty on Tuesday, October 28,2025, three years after the assassination in broad daylight shocked the world.

The slaying forced a reckoning in a country with little experience of gun violence, and ignited scrutiny of alleged ties between prominent conservative lawmakers and a secretive sect, the Unification Church.

The 45-year-old was led into the room by four security officials.

When the judge asked him to state his name, Yamagami, who was wearing a black T-shirt and had his long hair tied at the back, replied in a barely audible voice.

However, his lawyer said they would contest certain charges, including violations of arms control laws for allegedly using a handmade weapon.