Tetsuya Yamagami is now on trial for the assassination of Shinzo Abe, citing Abe's ties to the Moonies as his motivation.
Journalist and author Elle Hardy, who wrote "Beyond Belief: How Pentecostal Christianity Is Taking Over the World," notes the significant attention Yamagami has received, with a dedicated fan base and a fund supported by sympathizers.
Yamagami's trial, which began on Tuesday, has brought attention to Japan's political system, with many seeing it as the true defendant.
When Yamagami pulled the trigger in July 2022, killing Shinzo Abe in a puff of white smoke at a suburban political rally, it seemed incomprehensible.
Author summary: Trial exposes Japan's political system and Christian cult ties.