The much-awaited trial of the man accused of murdering former prime minister Shinzo Abe starts on Tuesday. Yamagami was born the son of a construction boss in 1980 into a prosperous family that subsequently fell apart. Overwhelmed by these tragedies, Yamagami’s mother joined the Unification Church. Now known as the Family Federation for World Peace and Unification, or the Moonies, the church became noted in Japan for preying on misfortune. Family members say Yamagami’s mother sold the family home and donated the proceeds, along with her husband’s life insurance, to the church.

Source: The Irish Times October 27, 2025 22:33 UTC