The suspect, Tetsuya Yamagami, was arrested at the scene for attempted murder, later revised to being held for murder after Abe's death. Yamagami told investigators that he held a grudge against the Unification Church over his mother's bankruptcy and had shot Abe out of a belief that he was close to the group. He accused Abe of spreading the church's influence in Japan.[6]
Leaders from many countries praised Abe's accomplishments while expressing shock and dismay at his death.[7] His assassination was the first of a former Japanese prime minister since Saitō Makoto and Takahashi Korekiyo during the February 26 Incident in 1936.[8]
In 2006, during his first term as prime minister, Abe and several cabinet ministers sent congratulatory cables to the Universal Peace Federation (UPF), a church-linked non-governmental organisation.[11] Ten months before the assassination, in September 2021, Abe broadcast a five-minute speech as part of a UPF rally which included appearances by former U.S. president Donald Trump and other foreign dignitaries.[12]
Unification Church practices in Japan
According to historians, Japan has provided 70% of the Unification Church's wealth. The church gets funding based on what are called "spiritual sales" in the country. Steve Hassan, a former Unification Church member, describes spiritual sales as parishioners scanning obituaries, knocking on people's doors, and saying, "Your dead loved one is communicating with us, so please go to the bank and send money to the Unification Church so your loved one can ascend to heaven in the spirit world."[13]
In 1987, about 300 lawyers in Japan set up an association called the National Network of Lawyers Against Spiritual Sales (Zenkoku reikanshoho taisaku bengoshi renrakukai, 全国霊感商法対策弁護士連絡会) to help people forced to make expensive donations to, or buying expensive items from, the Unification Church.[14][15] According to statistics compiled by the association's lawyers between 1987 and 2021, the association and local government consumer centers received 34,537 complaints alleging that the church had forced people to make unreasonably large donations or purchase large amounts of items, amounting to about 123.7 billion yen.[16]
Abe's schedule
Abe was initially scheduled to deliver a speech in Nagano Prefecture on 8 July 2022 in support of Sanshirō Matsuyama [ja], an LDP candidate in upcoming elections to the House of Councillors.[17] That event was abruptly canceled on 7 July[17] following allegations of misconduct and corruption related to Matsuyama,[18][19] and was replaced by a similar event in Nara Prefecture at which Abe was to deliver a speech in support of Kei Satō, an LDP councillor running for re-election.[20] The LDP division in Nara Prefecture stated this new schedule was not generally publicly known,[21] but NHK reported that the event had been widely advertised on Twitter and by sound truck.[22]
At approximately 11:10 a.m. on 8 July, Satō began speaking at a road junction near the north exit of Yamato-Saidaiji Station in Nara City. Abe arrived nine minutes later, and began his speech at around 11:29 a.m.[22][21]
Timeline
Assassination
Positions of Abe (purple) and shooter (blue) at the time of the shooting. Abe's security men and other people are not shown. Not drawn to scale.
While Abe was delivering his speech, the alleged perpetrator was able to approach within several metres, despite the presence of security.[24] At around 11:30 a.m., when Abe said, "Instead of thinking about why he [Satō] cannot do it ...",[25] he was shot at from behind with a homemade gun[a][1][29] resembling a sawn-off, double-barreled shotgun.[26][29] The first shot missed and prompted Abe to turn around, at which point a second shot was fired, hitting Abe in the neck and chest area.[30][31][32] Abe then took a few steps forward, fell to his knees, and collapsed. Abe's security detained the suspect, who did not resist.[33][34]
Police sources told NHK that Abe was initially conscious and responsive after being shot.[35] A doctor who arrived at the scene says there were no signs indicating Abe was conscious.[36] Shortly thereafter, he was transported to a local hospital by emergency helicopter with a wound to the right side of his neck and internal bleeding under his left chest. He was reported to have no vital signs when he arrived at Nara Medical University Hospital in Kashihara, likely due to cardiopulmonary arrest prior to his arrival.[37][2][38] At 2:45 p.m., a press conference was held by Prime Minister Fumio Kishida, who stated that Abe was in critical condition and that "doctors [were] doing everything they [could]".[39]
Despite doctors' efforts, Abe was pronounced dead at the hospital at 5:03 p.m., around five and a half hours after being shot.[5][40][41] He was sixty-seven years old. Hidetada Fukushima, a doctor at the hospital, said the cause of Abe's death was blood loss, despite four hours of blood transfusions that saw the administration of 100 units of blood.[42][43] The police autopsy concluded Abe died from loss of blood after a bullet damaged an artery under his collarbone.[44]
Abe was the first former Japanese prime minister to have been assassinated since Saitō Makoto and Takahashi Korekiyo, who were killed during the February 26 Incident in 1936,[45] the first Japanese legislator to be assassinated since Kōki Ishii was killed by a member of a right-wing group in 2002, and the first Japanese politician to be assassinated during an electoral campaign since Iccho Itoh, then-mayor of Nagasaki, who was shot dead during his mayoral race in April 2007.[46][47]
Most political leaders canceled all campaign events for the remainder of 8 July. Campaigning resumed the day after, on 9 July, with major party leaders vowing to not allow violence to disrupt the democratic process.[54][55] The LDP subsequently won a supermajority of seats in the House of Councillors in the 10 July elections.
NHK General TV, and four of Japan's five major commercial television networks, canceled or postponed all scheduled programming to broadcast live news coverage for the rest of the day, as did several radio stations.[56][57][58][59] Of the shows impacted, the anime series Teppen—!!! had its second episode, scheduled to air on 9 July, canceled entirely due to the plot of the episode revolving around an attempted assassination.[60][61][62][63]
Visitations
Liberal Democratic Hall Building, the headquarters for the LDP
At about 9:00 p.m. on the day of Abe's assassination, former Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga visited the hospital.[64] Shortly after him, Chief Cabinet Secretary Hirokazu Matsuno also visited the hospital.[65]
A Buddhist funeral for Abe took place at Zōjō-ji Temple on the next day. The funeral, conducted by priests from the Jōdō-shū tradition, was restricted to Abe's family and select others from the LDP. Following the funeral, Abe's casket was transported through the Nagatachō district with large crowds watching the procession from the sidewalks.[72] The casket was driven by the Liberal Democratic Hall Building,[73] the National Diet Building and the Prime Minister's official office, before being taken to Kirigaya Funeral Hall in the Shinagawa ward for a private cremation.[74][75] During the funeral, Abe received a posthumous name that reflected his life on the political stage.[b]
A farewell ceremony has been planned for sometime after the funeral.[69] The location is planned to be within the Yamaguchi 4th district and within Tokyo.[72]
Tetsuya Yamagami (Japanese: 山上徹也), a forty-one-year-old man living in Nara City, was arrested by Nara Prefectural Police at the scene on suspicion of attempted murder; this was upgraded to murder after Abe was declared dead. Yamagami was transferred to the Nara Nishi Police Station upon his arrest.[76] He was described as being calm and having made no attempts to flee.[77][78][79] Yamagami had no prior criminal history.[80] As of July 12, 2022[update], formal charges have not been brought against Yamagami, who is being held at a prosecutors office during the investigation.[74]
Personal life
Born in Mie Prefecture,[81] Yamagami was born to affluent parents who ran a local construction business.[82] Described as quiet and reserved in high school,[83][84][85] he wrote in his graduation yearbook that he "didn't have a clue" what he wanted to do in the future.[86][87] Despite graduating from a prestigious high school, Yamagami was unable to enter university due to his family's financial problems. His grandfather died suddenly during his teenaged years, requiring his mother to take over the construction business.[88]
In October 2020, Yamagami started working as a forklift operator in Kyoto Prefecture for a manufacturer that operated in the Kansai region.[91] There he was described as quiet. He quit in May 2022 after claiming that he was "feeling unwell".[92][86][93] Yamagami was unemployed at the time of his arrest.[92][82]
Motive
Yamagami told investigators that his motive had been personal rather than political.[94][95][96][97] After joining the Unification Church around 1991 to 1998[c][98], his mother had given the group about 100 million yen (US$720,000), a parcel of land she had inherited from her father, and the house where she lived with her three children; she subsequently declared bankruptcy in 2002.[99] A male relative later recalled being contacted by the siblings to complain that they had no food at home, prompting him to deliver meals and money for living expenses.
Yamagami claimed that he attempted suicide in 2005, in hope of offering his life insurance benefit for his siblings.[98] Yamagami's older brother, who had a longtime struggle with cancer, was not able to afford medical treatment; he would later commit suicide[100], which depressed Yamagami according to his uncle.[98]
Yamagami blamed the church for his family's financial problems and held a grudge against the group.[101][102] Researching the church's connections to Abe in the months before the attack, he believed the former prime minister spread the church's influence in Japan.[103]
Yamagami's account of his mother's involvement with the Unification Church was confirmed by Tomihiro Tanaka, the chair of the church's Tokyo branch, during a press conference on 11 July.[104][105] Tanaka said that Yamagami's mother first joined the church in 1998, stopped attending around 2009, and reestablished connection with the church in 2019 or 2020.[106] He refused to disclose the total sum of the donations contributed by Yamagami's mother since her admission in 1998, claiming the lack of her donation records.[104][107] Tanaka also downplayed the alleged close tie between the organization and Abe, stating that the former prime minister, not being a registered member or advisor, only delivered speeches for their "friendly entity", the UPF.[108][109][110]
On July 14, the church released a statement claiming that before the assassination, they reached an agreement to refund 50 million yen donated by Yamagami's mother from 2004 to 2015, and no more record of new donations made by her after the refund.[111]
Planning
Yamagami said his initial plan was to assassinate a high-ranking official of the Unification Church, but later decided to target Abe instead.[112][113][114] From around the time his mother went bankrupt, Yamagami wandered around the Unification Church building carrying a knife, looking for an opportunity to kill the group's leader, Hak Ja Han. He tried to kill Han with a flamethrower when she visited Aichi Prefecture in 2019, but gave up because he could not enter the church building.[115]
Yamagami allegedly decided to change his target to Abe after learning of his video speech to the UPF in September 2021.[116] He proceeded to stalk the former prime minister at various locations as he planned his attack over a period of several months. On the day before the assassination, Yamagami travelled by Shinkansen and attended an LDP rally in Okayama Prefecture with the intent of killing Abe there; he was forced to backtrack due to entry protocols.[117] After Abe's schedule was changed to allow him to visit Nara City on 8 July, Yamagami kept track of his movements via Abe's website.[118][119][120]
Yamagami told police that he had test-fired his homemade gun in a facility linked to the Unification Church the day before the shooting.[122][123][124] Bullet holes were discovered by the investigators at the entrance of a building next to the Nara branch of the Unification Church.[125]
Weapon preparations
Yamagami allegedly built the weapon used in the shooting.[126][127] Police discovered homemade firearms similar to that weapon, as well as possible explosive devices, during a search of his home following his arrest.[128][95][129] They were later seized as evidence and taken by bomb disposal officers after nearby residents were evacuated.[130][131][132]
Yamagami stated that he tested his improvised firearms by firing them at multiple wooden boards with an aluminium-covered tray for storing dry gunpowder, which were later recovered from his vehicle.[133][134]
Websites about bomb-making and weapons manufacturing were discovered in Yamagami's browsing history.[135] He told investigators that he originally intended to carry out the assassination using explosives.[117] However, notes obtained from Yamagami's parent's home by the investigators reveal that he did not want to "cause trouble to the bystanders" and believed that an explosive may not kill Abe, so he instead began making his own gun.[136]
False information
Several media outlets misidentified the video game developer Hideo Kojima as the assassin.[137][138][139][140][141] The misreporting allegedly stemmed from jokes on the online message board 4chan and Twitter that were taken as fact and subsequently published by the far-right French politician Damien Rieu [fr],[142][143] the Greek news outlet ANT1, and the Iranian website Mashregh News.[137][144] ANT1 additionally reported that the suspect was "passionate about Che Guevara".[145] ANT1 uploaded the broadcast to its YouTube account, but later removed it.[146] Rieu took down the original tweet and issued an apology.[147][142] Kojima's company, Kojima Productions, condemned the false reports and threatened legal action against those perpetuating the rumor.[148][137][141]
Copycat threats
Thirty minutes after the shooting, a threatening call was made to Matsuyama's office, where Abe had been initially scheduled to deliver a speech.[149] A suspect was arrested on 9 July for making threats.[150]
Thailand additionally tightened security around its government officials and planned to increase security at the upcoming Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation summit, due to be hosted in Bangkok in November.[153]
Incumbent prime minister Fumio Kishida called the assassination an "unforgivable act" and an "act of cowardly barbarism".[154][155] Noting that Abe was shot while delivering a campaign speech, Kishida also denounced the assassination as an attack on Japan's democracy and vowed to defend a "free and fair election at all costs".[156]
Tomoaki Onizuka, head of Nara Prefecture Police, acknowledged security lapses at the political rally where Abe was killed, and pledged to identify and resolve the flaws, “It is undeniable that there were problems with the security for former prime minister Abe, and we will immediately identify the problems and take appropriate measures to resolve them”.[160]
An association called the National Network of Lawyers Against Spiritual Sales (全国霊感商法対策弁護士連絡会), which helps people who were wrongfully forced by the Unification Church to make large donations and buy expensive items such as pots and seals, held a press conference in response to the assassination of Abe. Lawyers for the association, after offering their condolences to Abe, pointed out that the association had previously complained about Abe repeatedly sending congratulatory messages to Unification Church events.[161] They asked Japanese politicians not to attend events or send congratulations to the Unification Church. They pointed out that for more than 30 years, Abe and other Japanese politicians and administrators had taken no action against the Unification Church.[162][163][14]
In response to the shooting and Abe's subsequent death, representatives of numerous countries, including present and former world leaders, expressed their condolences.[168][169]
Anthony Albanese, prime minister of Australia, said that Japan had emerged as "one of Australia's most like-minded partners in Asia" under Abe's leadership. Albanese also mentioned Abe's foreign policy contributions, adding that the "Quad and the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership are in many ways the results of his diplomatic leadership". Albanese said that Abe's legacy was "one of global impact, and a profound and positive one for Australia".[170] Landmarks in Melbourne, Adelaide, Sydney and Perth were lit up in red and white, and flags were flown at half-mast on the day of the funeral.[171]
National days of mourning were declared in Bangladesh, Brazil, India, Nepal, Bhutan, Cambodia, Cuba and Sri Lanka, with all four countries flying their flags at half-mast on their respective days of mourning. In Bangladesh, a day of state mourning was declared for 9 July.[172]Jair Bolsonaro, president of Brazil, ordered three days of national mourning in Brazil, which is home to the world's largest population of Japanese descent outside of Japan.[173]Narendra Modi, prime minister of India, announced that India would observe a day of national mourning on July 9; Modi's reaction was regarded by some as an extremely personal one compared to other world leaders particularly for his addressal of the former Prime Minister as "Abe-san".[174][175][176] The Nepalese government decided to declare on July 9 the day of national mourning with the flags lowered to the middle of the mast.[177]Bhutan declared on July 9 the day of national mourning with the flags lowered to the middle of the mast.[178] Cambodia's prime minister announced July 10 as Day of National Mourning with flags half-masted with entertainment venues closed.[179][180]Cuba announced July 11 as the day of national mourning, with flags lowered to the middle of the mast.[181] On July 12, Sri Lanka observed a day of national mourning with its flag flown at half-mast on state buildings.[182] While formal mourning days were not proclaimed in Thailand, the government did fly flags at half-mast on July 8, and the Thai Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha paid a visit to the Japanese Embassy in Bangkok to pay respects in person.[183][184]
The European Council released a photo and video library in memory of Abe, featuring the former prime minister's diplomatic interactions with leaders across the EU.[193][third-party source needed]
Releasing a joint statement, the leaders of the Quad nations of Australia, India, and the United States noted that the organisation would redouble its work towards "a peaceful and prosperous region" in honour of Abe. The White House noted that Abe played a formative role in the founding of the Quad partnership and worked tirelessly to advance a shared vision for a free and open Indo-Pacific.[194] In his official statement regarding the assassination, Canadian prime ministerJustin Trudeau seconded the calls made by the Quad.[195]
President of TaiwanTsai Ing-wen announced that Taiwan would observe a national day of mourning on July 11, with the flag of Taiwan flown at half-mast.[196]Taipei 101 was also illuminated in multiple messages mourning the death of Abe.[197][198]Lai Ching-te, Vice President of Taiwan, visited Abe's residence as a special envoy of President Tsai to mourn Abe, along with Frank Hsieh, Taiwan's envoy to Japan, on 11 July. Lai became the highest-ranking Taiwanese official to visit Japan in 50 years after Japan severed diplomatic relationship with ROC in 1972.[199]
Individuals and non-governmental organisations
The University of Southern California (USC) paid special condolences to Abe, who attended the university for three semesters studying English and Public Policy during a study abroad program. USC's president Carol Folt personally sent her own condolences.[200]
The International Olympic Committee (IOC) president, Thomas Bach, recognised Abe for being instrumental in securing the 2020 Summer Olympics for Tokyo before his tenure ended in 2020 as well as his "vision, determination and dependability" that enabled the IOC to make an unprecedented decision to postpone the Olympics by a year. The Olympic flag will be flown in Lausanne at half-mast for three days.[201]
Despite official condolences sent by the Chinese and South Korean governments, many Chinese and South Korean internet users were unsympathetic to Abe's death. This stemmed from grievances concerning historical colonialism and war crimes by Imperial Japan, and towards nationalist Japanese politicians – including Abe – who denied or questioned some accounts of the atrocities.[202][203][204]
The UN Security Council paid tribute to Abe, saying, "He will be remembered as a staunch defender of multilateralism, respected leader, and supporter of the United Nations."[205]
The American magazine Time unveiled the cover of its next issue, prominently featuring Abe's portrait in black and white. This will be Abe's fourth time featured on the magazine, with Time writing Abe would be "remembered for remaking Japan".[206]
^ abWhile many sources report the weapon to be a shotgun,[26] the Nara Prefectural Police Department reported that the weapon was a pistol.[27][28]
^紫雲院殿政譽清浄晋寿大居士 (Shiun-in Den Sei Yo Shō Jō Shin Jū Dai Kōji)
^Unification Church's Tokyo chair claimed that Yamagami's mother first joined their church in 1998 during the July 11 press conference, Yamagami's paternal uncle claimed that it was around 1991 while being interviewed by press on July 15.
^ ab"安倍氏は午後5時3分に死亡確認" [Mr. Abe confirmed dead at 5:03pm] (in Japanese). Kyodo News. 8 July 2022. Archived from the original on 8 July 2022. Retrieved 8 July 2022.
^ ab"自己破産させられた信者はたくさんいる. 2世の苦しみがどんなにつらいか. 霊感商法弁護団が会見" [There are many believers who have been bankrupted by themselves. How painful the suffering of the second generation is. An inspirational commercial law defense team meets.]. Yahoo! News Japan (in Japanese). Bengo4. 12 July 2022. Archived from the original on 12 July 2022.
^全国霊感商法対策弁護士連絡会 [National Inspirational Commercial Law Countermeasures Lawyer Liaison Committee] (in Japanese). National Network of Lawyers Against Spiritual Sales. Archived from the original on 12 July 2022.
^窓口別被害者集計(1987年~) [Victim total by window (1987-)] (in Japanese). National Network of Lawyers Against Spiritual Sales. Archived from the original on 12 July 2022.
^ ab"安倍元首相が松山氏の応援取りやめ 参院選長野県区 女性問題など週刊誌報道受け" [Former Prime Minister Shinzo Abe suspends support for Nagano district House of Councilors candidate Matsuyama over sexual/female scandals, per weekly news reports]. Shinano Mainichi Shimbun (in Japanese). 8 July 2022. Archived from the original on 8 July 2022. Retrieved 8 July 2022.
^"参院選 自民党・松山三四六候補が不倫の末、中絶同意書に偽名で署名していた" [House of Councilors LDP candidate Sanshirou Matsuyama had an affair, signed letter of consent for an abortion with false name]. Bunshun Online (in Japanese). 6 July 2022. Archived from the original on 7 July 2022. Retrieved 7 July 2022.
^"自民ものまねタレントに「900万円踏み倒し」の過去 法廷で偽証を求められた知人が告発" [LDP impersonator is accused of soliciting false testimony from an acquaintance in case of previous 9 million yen debt]. Daily Shincho (in Japanese). 6 July 2022. Archived from the original on 8 July 2022. Retrieved 7 July 2022.
^"自民党奈良県連「脅しみたいのはこれまでなかった」" [LDP's Nara Prefecture chapter: "The apparent threat up to now is no more"]. FNN Prime Online (in Japanese). 8 July 2022. Archived from the original on 8 July 2022. Retrieved 8 July 2022.
^ ab"安倍元首相の奈良入り「一般への周知はしていない」 自民県連が会見" [LDP Prefecture Chapter Interview: Former Prime Minister Abe's Nara schedule was not generally known]. Asahi Shimbun (in Japanese). 8 July 2022. Archived from the original on 8 July 2022. Retrieved 8 July 2022.
^ ab自民奈良県連が会見 "演説7日急きょ決定 開始直後に発砲" [LDP Nara Prefecture Chapter Interview: Speech on the 7th decided upon suddenly, gunfire immediately after commencing]. NHK NEWS WEB (in Japanese). 8 July 2022. Archived from the original on 8 July 2022. Retrieved 8 July 2022.
^"安倍元首相、銃撃の詳細判明 最初の発砲に振り向き、2度目で倒れる" [Former Prime Minister Abe reveals details of shooting Turns to the first shot and collapses the second time]. Sankei News (in Japanese). Sankei Shimbun. 8 July 2022. Archived from the original on 10 July 2022. Retrieved 11 July 2022.
^"「奇跡が起こってくれ、という一心でその場に」 安倍元首相の銃撃現場に駆けつけた医師が語った全て" ["On the spot, with the urge to make a miracle happen": All the doctors who rushed to the shooting scene of former Prime Minister Abe]. Yahoo! News Japan (in Japanese). Aera dot. Archived from the original on 12 July 2022. Retrieved 13 July 2022.
^"安倍晋三元首相死亡 奈良県で演説中に銃で撃たれる" [Former Prime Minister Shinzo Abe dead, shot while giving a speech in Nara Prefecture]. NHK NEWS WEB (in Japanese). 8 July 2022. Archived from the original on 8 July 2022. Retrieved 8 July 2022.
^8日の岸田首相の動静 [PM Kishida's movement on 8th] (in Japanese). Nikkei. 8 July 2022. Archived from the original on 9 July 2022. Retrieved 9 July 2022.
^東京に戻るよう閣僚に指示と官房長官 [Directed ministers to come back to Tokyo – Chief Cabinet Secretary] (in Japanese). Kyodo News. 8 July 2022. Archived from the original on 8 July 2022. Retrieved 8 July 2022.
^"【速報】昭恵夫人は京都から奈良へ移動" [[Breaking news] Mrs. Akie moves from Kyoto to Nara]. TV Asahi News (in Japanese). 9 July 2022. Archived from the original on 9 July 2022. Retrieved 11 July 2022.
^民放各局が報道特番 ドラマ、バラエティー延期 安倍氏銃撃受け [Commercial TV broadcasters had special news reports, postponed dramas & variety programs. Due to Mr. Abe's shooting]. Mainichi Shimbun (in Japanese). 8 July 2022. Archived from the original on 8 July 2022. Retrieved 9 July 2022.
^TBS「石子と羽男ーそんなコトで訴えます?ー」(TBS Drama: ISHIKO and HANEO: You're Suing Me?) [@ishihane_tbs] (8 July 2022). "#ひるおび、#ゴゴスマ、#Nスタ の電波ジャックは中止となりました。" (Tweet) (in Japanese). Archived from the original on 8 July 2022. Retrieved 8 July 2022 – via Twitter.
^"【速報】菅前首相が病院に 搬送の病院前から中継" [[Breaking news] Former Prime Minister Suga relays to the hospital from the front of the hospital]. FNN Prime Online (in Japanese). 8 July 2022. Archived from the original on 9 July 2022.
^"病院に入る松野官房長官" [Secretary of State Matsuno entering the hospital]. Jiji Press (in Japanese). 8 July 2022. Archived from the original on 9 July 2022.
^"安倍昭恵夫人、後部座席で前を見据え頭を下げる 前後に関係車両5台、稲田朋美元防衛相らの姿も" [Mrs. Akie Abe looks forward in the back seat and lowers her head. Five related vehicles and former defense minister Tomomi Inada are also seen before and after.]. Nikkan Sports (in Japanese). 9 July 2022. Archived from the original on 9 July 2022. Retrieved 9 July 2022.
^"安倍元首相、無言の帰宅 岸田首相、森・小泉氏ら弔問" [Former Prime Minister Abe, silent return home Prime Minister Kishida, condolences by Mr. Mori and Koizumi]. Jiji Press (in Japanese). 9 July 2022. Archived from the original on 9 July 2022. Retrieved 10 July 2022.
^"安倍元首相銃撃 41歳男"殺そうと思って狙った"【速報中】" [Former Prime Minister Abe Shooter, 41-year-old man, “I intended to kill him.”]. NHK NEWS WEB (in Japanese). Archived from the original on 8 July 2022. Retrieved 8 July 2022.
^"【速報】山上徹也容疑者は元海上自衛隊員 安倍首相、心肺停止" [[Breaking news] Tetsuya Yamagami is a former Maritime Self-Defense Force member Prime Minister Abe, cardiopulmonary arrest]. FNN Prime Online (in Japanese). 8 July 2022. Archived from the original on 8 July 2022. Retrieved 8 July 2022.
^"【速報】41歳の山上徹也容疑者を殺人未遂で逮捕 犯罪歴確認なし" [[Breaking news] 41-year-old Tetsuya Yamagami arrested for attempted murder No criminal history confirmed]. FNN Prime Online. Archived from the original on 8 July 2022. Retrieved 8 July 2022.
^"安倍元首相を殺害した山上容疑者の「素顔」 近隣住民「非常におとなしかった」" ["Real face" of Yamagami who killed former Prime Minister Abe: Neighbors told he was "Very quiet"]. Sponichi Annex (in Japanese). 8 July 2022. Archived from the original on 8 July 2022. Retrieved 8 July 2022.
^ ab"父は急死、母は宗教団体へ多額の金 安倍氏銃撃容疑者の生い立ち" [His father died suddenly and his mother went to a religious group with a large amount of money: Mr. Abe's background of the shooting suspect]. The Asahi Shimbun (in Japanese). 9 July 2022. Archived from the original on 9 July 2022. Retrieved 9 July 2022.
^ ab"銃撃容疑者 自衛官時代に、小銃組み立てや射撃訓練を受けた可能性" [Suspected gunner May have received rifle assembly and shooting training during his time as a self-defense officer]. Mainchi Shimbun (in Japanese). 8 July 2022. Archived from the original on 8 July 2022. Retrieved 8 July 2022.
^"安倍元首相銃撃の容疑者 高校時代は応援団所属、おとなしい性格" [Suspect in shooting of former Prime Minister Abe was a member of cheerleading squad in high school and had a quiet personality]. Mainchi Shimbun (in Japanese). 8 July 2022. Archived from the original on 8 July 2022. Retrieved 8 July 2022.
^"海自に3年、射撃経験も 同級生「寡黙な印象」―安倍氏銃撃で逮捕の山上容疑者" [3 years of shooting experience for the JMSDF, classmate "silent impression" - Yamagami arrested for shooting Mr. Abe]. Jiji Press (in Japanese). 9 July 2022. Archived from the original on 9 July 2022. Retrieved 9 July 2022.
^"山上容疑者は県内有数の進学校出身…卒業アルバムには笑顔の写真、将来は「わからん」" [Yamagami is from one of the prefecture's leading colleges – Smiling photo in his graduation album, He "doesn't know" about his future]. Yomiuri Shimbun (in Japanese). 9 July 2022. Archived from the original on 9 July 2022. Retrieved 9 July 2022.
^ ab"海自護衛艦で勤務 逮捕の山上容疑者と同一人物か" [Worked on a sea self-defense ship: Is it the same person as Mr. Yamagami who was arrested?]. Sankei News (in Japanese). Sankei Shimbun. 8 July 2022. Archived from the original on 8 July 2022. Retrieved 8 July 2022.
^"安倍元首相銃撃の男、海自呉基地で勤務" [Man who Shot Former Prime Minister Abe served at Kure Naval Base]. Kyodo News (in Japanese). 8 July 2022. Archived from the original on 8 July 2022. Retrieved 8 July 2022.
^"部屋から「ギコギコ」と異音、職場では「お前がやれや」とトラブル…安倍氏銃撃の容疑者" [A strange noise from the room, "You're gonna do it" at work ... Mr. Abe suspected of shooting]. Yomiuri Shimbun (in Japanese). 9 July 2022. Archived from the original on 9 July 2022. Retrieved 9 July 2022.
^ ab"「夜にギコギコという音が聞こえた」 銃撃事件容疑者の隣室の男性" ["I heard a rattling noise at night." A man in the room next to the suspected shooting case]. The Asahi Shimbun (in Japanese). 8 July 2022. Archived from the original on 8 July 2022. Retrieved 8 July 2022.
^"安倍元首相、銃撃され死亡 67歳、選挙応援演説中―元海自隊員の41歳男逮捕、「特定の団体に恨み」・奈良" [Former Prime Minister Abe, shot dead 67 years old, in an election support speech - A 41-year-old man of a former Maritime Self-Defense Force member was arrested in Nara, with "a grudge against a specific group"]. Jiji Press (in Japanese). 9 July 2022. Archived from the original on 9 July 2022. Retrieved 9 July 2022.
^"安倍元首相銃撃で山上容疑者「ある特定の宗教団体に恨み」" [Former Prime Minister Abe shoots Yamagami "grudge against a specific religious group"]. FNN Prime Online (in Japanese). 8 July 2022. Archived from the original on 8 July 2022. Retrieved 8 July 2022.
^"関係者「母親は旧統一教会に献金1億円」、土地・自宅売却で破産" [Official: "His mother made 100 million yen in donations to former Unification Church, became bankrupt after selling their land and home"] (in Japanese). Yomiuri Shimbun. 13 July 2022. Archived from the original on 13 July 2022. Retrieved 13 July 2022.
^"《安倍元首相銃殺》「母親が宗教に傾倒し、大病を患う兄が自殺」山上徹也容疑者が自殺未遂に至った"不遇な家庭環境"と事件直前の"悪質レビュートラブル"" [Former Prime Minister Abe shot dead; Suspect's mother was devoted to religion, and his brother who was seriously ill committed suicide – "Unfavorable family environment" that led to Tetsuya Yamagami's suicide attempt and "malicious review trouble" just before the incident.]. Bunshun Online (in Japanese). Yahoo! News Japan. 10 July 2022. Archived from the original on 13 July 2022. Retrieved 14 July 2022.
^"銃撃容疑者「母親が宗教にのめり込み破産」 安倍氏に一方的恨みか" [Shooting Suspect: "Mother became involved in religion and went bankrupt," unilateral resentment toward Mr. Abe?]. Mainichi Shimbun (in Japanese). 9 July 2022. Archived from the original on 9 July 2022. Retrieved 9 July 2022.
^"当初の狙いは宗教団体の幹部襲撃か「母親がのめり込み恨みがあった」 安倍元首相銃撃事件の容疑者が供述" [Suspect in the shooting of former Prime Minister Abe stated that his initial aim was to attack a religious leader or that he had a grudge against his mother because she had become obsessed with him.]. Yomiuri Shimbun (in Japanese). 9 July 2022. Archived from the original on 9 July 2022. Retrieved 9 July 2022.
^"【速報】"特定の宗教団体"は母親と関係 「のめり込み破産」新たな供述" [[Breaking news] "Specific religious group" has a relationship with mother "Devotion bankruptcy" new statement]. FNN Prime Online (in Japanese). 9 July 2022. Archived from the original on 9 July 2022. Retrieved 9 July 2022.
^"安倍元首相銃撃事件 宗教団体代表"容疑者は団体に在籍せず"" [Former Prime Minister Abe shot, religious group head: "Suspect is not a member of the group."]. NHK NEWS WEB (in Japanese). Archived from the original on 11 July 2022. Retrieved 11 July 2022.
^"宗教団体が会見「団体への恨みから殺害に至るまで距離があって困惑」 信者の容疑者母親の献金について「たどり切れていない」" [Religious group holds press conference: "We are puzzled by the distance between the grudge against the group and the murder" and "We have not been able to trace the donations to the mother of the suspect, who is a member."]. Yahoo! News Japan (in Japanese). Archived from the original on 11 July 2022. Retrieved 11 July 2022.
^公開抗議文 衆議院議員 安倍晋三 先生へ 統一教会 家庭連合. National Network of Lawyers Against Spiritual Sales (Japan). 17 September 2021. Archived from the original on 12 July 2022. Retrieved 13 July 2022.
^宗教団体トップの襲撃難航「狙いを安倍氏に切り替えた」 銃撃容疑者 [Attack on the top of a religious group Difficult to attack "I switched my aim to Mr. Abe"]. 毎日新聞 (Mainchi Shimbun) (in Japanese). 9 July 2022. Archived from the original on 9 July 2022. Retrieved 9 July 2022.
^共同通信 (9 July 2022). "当初狙いは宗教団体幹部だったと元海自隊員" [A former member of the Sea Self-Defense Force said that the initial aim was to be an executive of a religious organization.]. 共同通信 (Kyodo News) (in Japanese). Archived from the original on 9 July 2022. Retrieved 9 July 2022.
^山上容疑者、岡山の演説会場も訪れていた「とにかく殺そうとつけ回していた」 [Yamagami also visited the speech venue in Okayama. "Stalking him to kill"]. Yomiuri Shimbun (in Japanese). 9 July 2022. Archived from the original on 9 July 2022. Retrieved 9 July 2022.
^"容疑者、事件前日は安倍氏の遊説先・岡山に滞在 銃撃の機会探ったか" [Suspect stayed in Okayama, Abe's destination the day before the incident Did you look for a shooting opportunity?]. 毎日新聞 (Mainchi Shimbun) (in Japanese). 9 July 2022. Archived from the original on 9 July 2022. Retrieved 9 July 2022.
^銃撃の容疑者「安倍氏、特定団体につながりと思い込み」 [Suspected shooting "Mr. Abe, believing that he is connected to a specific group"]. 日本経済新聞 (Nikkei) (in Japanese). 8 July 2022. Archived from the original on 8 July 2022. Retrieved 8 July 2022.
^「前日、宗教団体施設に向けて撃った」 容疑者、動作や威力確認か ["The day before, I shot at a religious group facility." Suspect, action and power confirmation]. 朝日新聞デジタル (in Japanese). 11 July 2022. Archived from the original on 12 July 2022. Retrieved 11 July 2022.
^INC., SANKEI DIGITAL (10 July 2022). <独自>「前日の朝、宗教団体の施設撃った」 襲撃向け試射か. 産経ニュース (in Japanese). Archived from the original on 11 July 2022. Retrieved 11 July 2022.
^山上容疑者「数か月前から事件を計画していた」 [Former Prime Minister Abe, shot dead 67 years old, in an election support speech-A 41-year-old man of a former sea self-member was arrested, "a grudge against a specific group" Nara: Current affairs dot com]. 日テレNEWS (in Japanese). 8 July 2022. Archived from the original on 8 July 2022. Retrieved 8 July 2022.
^【独自】山上容疑者「殺すため銃を作った」、宗教団体の名前挙げ不満も…安倍元首相銃撃 [[Original] Yamagami suspect "I made a gun to kill", complaining about the name of a religious group ... Former Prime Minister Abe shooting]. 読売新聞オンライン (Yomiuri Shimbun) (in Japanese). 9 July 2022. Archived from the original on 8 July 2022. Retrieved 8 July 2022.
^容疑者の元海上自衛隊員 供述は 安倍元首相 演説中に銃撃 [The suspect's former Maritime Self-Defense Force confession was shot during a speech by former Prime Minister Abe.]. FNNプライムオンライン (in Japanese). 8 July 2022. Archived from the original on 8 July 2022. Retrieved 8 July 2022.
^容疑者宅から手製の銃のようなもの数丁押収 [Seized several handmade guns from the suspect's house]. 共同通信 (Kyodo News) (in Japanese). 8 July 2022. Archived from the original on 8 July 2022. Retrieved 8 July 2022.
^再び爆発物の可能性 容疑者宅周辺で避難呼びかけ 奈良県警 [Possibility of explosives again Call for evacuation around the suspect's house Nara Prefectural Police]. 産経新聞 (Sankei Shimbun) (in Japanese). 8 July 2022. Archived from the original on 8 July 2022. Retrieved 8 July 2022.
^INC, SANKEI DIGITAL (8 July 2022). 山上徹也容疑者の自宅マンションから不審物を運び出す奈良県警の警察官=8日午後6時32分、奈良市(沢野貴信撮影) [Nara Prefectural Police officer carrying out a suspicious object from the suspect's home apartment = 6:32 pm on the 8th, Nara City (photographed by Takanobu Sawano)]. 産経ニュース (in Japanese). Archived from the original on 8 July 2022. Retrieved 8 July 2022.
^【速報】自作の銃について「銃1丁には3本の筒、1本の筒には6発の弾」「複数作った」と説明 山上容疑者 [[Breaking news] About the self-made gun "3 cylinders in 1 gun, 6 bullets in 1 cylinder" "I made multiple" Yamagami suspect]. FNNプライムオンライン (in Japanese). 8 July 2022. Archived from the original on 8 July 2022. Retrieved 8 July 2022.
^「次はおまえだ」長野自民候補に脅迫電話か 安倍氏銃撃30分後 ["Next is you" A threatening call to the Nagano Liberal Democratic candidate or Mr. Abe 30 minutes after the shooting]. 毎日新聞 (in Japanese). 8 July 2022. Archived from the original on 9 July 2022. Retrieved 8 July 2022.
^元内閣総理大臣安倍晋三氏を従一位に叙すること並びに大勲位菊花章頸飾及び菊花大綬章の授与について [Regarding the awarding of former Prime Minister Shinzo Abe to the first rank and the awarding of the Collar of the Supreme Order of the Chrysanthemum and Grand Cordon of the Supreme Order of the Chrysanthemum]. kantei.go.jp (Press release). Prime Minister's Office of Japan. 11 July 2022. Archived from the original on 11 July 2022. Retrieved 12 July 2022.
^安倍元首相に最高位勲章 中曽根氏に続き4人目 [Highest-rank to former PM Abe, fourth after Mr. Nakasone]. Kyodo News. 11 July 2022. Archived from the original on 11 July 2022. Retrieved 11 July 2022.
^ブリンケン国務長官による岸田総理大臣表敬 [Courtesy visit to PM Kishida by Secretary of State Blinken] (Press release) (in Japanese). Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan. 11 July 2022. Archived from the original on 11 July 2022. Retrieved 11 July 2022.