Core Points - The trial of Tetsuya Yamagami, who is charged with murder and violations of firearms laws, began on October 28, 2023, in Nara District Court, focusing on sentencing as the main point of contention [2][6] - The prosecution argues that Yamagami's motive for the attack on former Prime Minister Shinzo Abe was rooted in his family's financial struggles due to donations to the Unification Church, leading to a deep-seated hatred towards the organization [6] - The defense plans to highlight Yamagami's upbringing and family environment to seek leniency in sentencing, while also contesting the legality of certain charges [6] Summary by Sections - **Incident Overview**: The assassination of former Prime Minister Shinzo Abe during a campaign speech raised significant concerns about security measures for public figures and the impact of "spiritual sales" scams [4] - **Trial Proceedings**: The trial is set to include 18 hearings throughout the year, with a verdict expected by January 21, 2026, involving testimonies from family members and experts [6] - **Prosecution's Argument**: The prosecution emphasizes Yamagami's premeditated actions, including repeated gun tests, and his belief that attacking Abe would draw attention to the Unification Church [6] - **Defense's Strategy**: The defense will focus on Yamagami's personal history and the influence of his family's financial difficulties on his actions, aiming for a more favorable sentencing outcome [6]