I wouldn't call him imperialist, but he repeatedly denied WW2 Japanese war crimes (in particular the Nanking massacre and the use of Korean 'comfort women'). This is the rough equivalent of a German Chancellor denying the Holocaust.

[–] Kusimulkku@lemm.ee 7 points 1 month ago

I think that's par for the course for Japanese politicians. A lot of them seem to categorically deny all the atrocities.

[–] Paraponera_clavata@lemmy.world 3 points 1 month ago (1 children)

I wouldn't call him imperialist either. I think he was a pretty decent leader for Japan. He wasn't murdered for his politics, but because of his religious affiliation.

[–] emergencyfood@sh.itjust.works 9 points 1 month ago (1 children)

It wasn't just religious affiliation. He, and others in the LDP, protected the Moonies in return for their political support. It was very much a political issue (separation of church and state).

[–] Paraponera_clavata@lemmy.world 1 points 1 month ago (1 children)

Ah, so he protected them from being prosecuted or something?

My understanding is the murder's family was ruined by donating to the church. The murderer wrote.that.he planned to kill the church leader,.but changed.his mine cause Abe was more famous and would get more attention. I don't think there is evidence that the murderers motivations were political, but I could be wrong. Happen to have a source?

[–] emergencyfood@sh.itjust.works 4 points 1 month ago

Ah, so he protected them from being prosecuted or something?

More or less. Not he alone, but many senior LDP leaders with him at the helm.

The murderer wrote.that.he planned to kill the church leader,.but changed.his mine cause Abe was more famous and would get more attention.

Correct.

I don't think there is evidence that the murderers motivations were political, but I could be wrong.

As I understand, he wanted to draw attention to the Moonies while 'punishing' someone he held responsible for his family's condition.