Tokyo Court Orders Dissolution of Unification Church, Victims Express Relief but Fear Continued Legal Battles

Victims of the Unification Church expressed relief after a Tokyo District Court ordered its dissolution on March 25. However, they remain concerned that the organization may continue to evade accountability for the harm it has caused over decades.

The group, formally known as the Family Federation for World Peace and Unification, has faced allegations of financial exploitation and mental anguish inflicted on members through its teachings. Victims say the church has shown no remorse for the financial ruin it has brought to families, with some members still financially supporting their parents who have donated large sums to the organization.

A woman in her 30s, who has been helping her parents, described the court’s decision as “a very natural decision.” She and other victims gathered at a hearing in the Diet building, emphasizing the need for further government action to address the ongoing damage to the second generation of affected individuals.

The church, which has headquarters in Seoul and operates globally, has announced it will appeal the court’s ruling. Victims fear the organization may transfer assets from Japan during the appeal process, potentially leaving them without the funds needed for relief.

Another victim, a woman in her 60s, described the court’s decision as “a reasonable conclusion.” She learned of the extent of her late mother’s financial contributions to the church only after filing a lawsuit. She hopes the organization will provide sincere compensation and an apology to victims and their families.

Yasue Kawakami, a former follower now working with the Japan Society for Cult Prevention and Recovery, spoke at a news conference, highlighting the need for continued vigilance. The victims’ concerns reflect a broader pattern of financial and emotional exploitation, with many second-generation members struggling to recover from the consequences of their parents’ involvement.

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