Tetsuya Yamagami is on trial for the assassination of Shinzo Abe, citing Abe's ties to the Moonies as his motivation.
Journalist and author Elle Hardy, of "Beyond Belief: How Pentecostal Christianity Is Taking Over the World," notes Yamagami's significant following.
Yamagami's trial began on Tuesday, but many see Japan's political system as the true defendant.
Modern Japan doesn’t have a gun culture, much less one of assassination.
The case has sparked interest, with some labeling Yamagami one of the "most successful assassins" in history.
Author's summary: Trial exposes cult's influence on Japanese politics.