The Tokyo District Court has ruled that the Unification Church, which has been operating in Japan since the 1960s, should be disbanded due to allegations of financial misconduct and manipulation of its followers. The church has been at the center of controversy particularly following the 2022 assassination of Abe, whose alleged killer cited grievances stemming from the church’s associations.
Japan Court Orders Dissolution of Unification Church Amid Controversy
Japan Court Orders Dissolution of Unification Church Amid Controversy
A court ruling in Japan has mandated the disbandment of the Unification Church, commonly known as the "Moonies", following scrutiny connected to the assassination of former Prime Minister Shinzo Abe.
Citing concerns of financial exploitation, Japan's education and culture ministry initiated proceedings for the church's dissolution. The court's ruling will strip the church of its tax-exempt status and compel it to liquidate its assets, although it retains the right to appeal. Investigations unveiled testimonies from nearly 200 alleged victims who claimed they were coerced into sizable donations under duress related to their spiritual well-being.
Founded by Sun Myung Moon in South Korea, the Unification Church is infamous for its mass wedding ceremonies and once heavily criticized for its doctrine that promotes marriage as essential for spiritual salvation. The church's entanglements with Japan's ruling Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) were further revealed following Abe's assassination, resulting in ministerial resignations and alarming connections between lawmakers and the religious sect. A recent internal LDP investigation disclosed that nearly half of its members had interactions with the Unification Church, igniting national outrage over the church’s impact on politics.
As legal battles loom, approximately 200 former followers have sought compensation totaling ¥5.7 billion ($38.5 million), shedding light on the contentious legacy of the church and its influence in Japanese society.
Founded by Sun Myung Moon in South Korea, the Unification Church is infamous for its mass wedding ceremonies and once heavily criticized for its doctrine that promotes marriage as essential for spiritual salvation. The church's entanglements with Japan's ruling Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) were further revealed following Abe's assassination, resulting in ministerial resignations and alarming connections between lawmakers and the religious sect. A recent internal LDP investigation disclosed that nearly half of its members had interactions with the Unification Church, igniting national outrage over the church’s impact on politics.
As legal battles loom, approximately 200 former followers have sought compensation totaling ¥5.7 billion ($38.5 million), shedding light on the contentious legacy of the church and its influence in Japanese society.
