Why was my husband murdered? - Akie Abe

Four years after the assassination of former Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, his widow, Akie Abe, continues to grapple with the unanswered question of why her husband was killed. In an interview with The Japan News, the 64-year-old expressed her persistent search for answers, even after attending court hearings.

Akie recounted her experience at the 13th court proceeding on December 3, where she heard the accused, Tetsuya Yamagami, explain his actions. Despite this, she found his explanation illogical, stating, "My husband was not the leader of that cult. So why my husband? Why did he kill my husband who had nothing to do with him? That explanation makes no sense at all."

The trial revealed Yamagami's difficult life, including his family's financial ruin due to his mother's substantial donations to the Unification Church. However, Akie firmly believes that personal background cannot excuse criminal acts. "I absolutely do not want to see the perception that killing is acceptable just because someone was raised in a problematic environment," she stated.

Yamagami claimed he targeted Abe due to his alleged connection to the Unification Church. Akie, however, rejected this motive, emphasizing that her husband had no direct link to the cult. She also revealed that she has not wanted Yamagami to face the death penalty since before the trial began, expressing a desire for him to confront his crime and regret it.