Tokyo High Court upholds dissolution order for former Unification Church as religious corporation

Tokyo High Court upholds dissolution order for former Unification Church

The Tokyo High Court has upheld a decision to dissolve the former Unification Church as a religious corporation. The ruling comes amid ongoing legal proceedings to address the group’s practices, which have drawn scrutiny since the fatal shooting of former Prime Minister Abe Shinzo in 2022 by the son of one of its followers. The court’s decision marks a significant step in the legal process to manage the group’s assets and provide compensation to those affected by its activities.

Presiding Judge Miki Motoko cited the group’s practice of soliciting large donations from members and pressuring them to purchase expensive items by instilling fears about their spiritual well-being as a violation of civil law. She emphasized that many individuals suffered severe financial and emotional harm as a result of these practices. The court confirmed that the group caused financial losses exceeding 7.4 billion yen, or approximately 47 million US dollars, to 506 people across Japan over a period of more than four decades until 2016.

The judge stated that upholding the dissolution order issued by the Tokyo District Court in 2025 was necessary and unavoidable, as the group has not taken effective measures to address the issues voluntarily. This decision reflects the court’s determination to ensure accountability for the group’s actions and to provide redress to those who have been harmed.

Victims of the group’s practices have expressed relief at the court’s ruling. Hashida Tatsuo, whose ex-wife was a follower, described the decision as favorable to victims. He noted that the group has never issued an apology and called for reflection on its actions. Meanwhile, some members of the group expressed concern over the legal proceedings, fearing the impact on their faith and activities.

The group, now known as the Family Federation for World Peace and Unification, claims to have 600,000 followers in Japan, with 90,000 to 100,000 attending monthly worship services and continuing to make donations. Founded in South Korea in 1954 by Moon Sun-myung, the group established its Japan branch in 1959 and was certified as a religious corporation in 1964. It preached about ancestral misfortune and encouraged followers to purchase items such as vases and signature seals, often under the guise of spiritual necessity.

The group’s practices have led to widespread criticism, with many individuals reporting financial strain and emotional distress. As legal proceedings continue, the focus remains on addressing the consequences of these actions and ensuring that those affected receive appropriate support and justice.

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