A shooting incident involving former Prime Minister Shinzo Abe is stirring debate in Japan. According to the headline, the defense party argues that the incident does not constitute terrorism. The circumstances of the shooting and its resolution are currently under intense discussion among legal professionals and the public.

Japan is a society with very low levels of gun violence, hence a shooting incident, especially involving a political figure like Abe, is given high attention and scrutiny. The debate about whether the incident constitutes terrorism sheds light on Japan's legal definitions and societal values around violence, intention and political motive.

In the US or the EU, the debate may similarly center on the definition of 'terrorism' and hinge on the perpetrator's motives. However, gun violence including shootings is unfortunately more common. Legal outcomes may also differ due to the existence of different laws and processes.