Unification Church Appeals Japan’s Supreme Court for Reversal of Dissolution Order

The Unification Church, known in Japan as the “Moon sect,” has appealed to the Supreme Court of Japan for a dissolution order. This appeal follows a decision by the Tokyo High Court, which upheld a lower court’s ruling to dissolve the organization’s Japanese branch. The court cited the group’s alleged practice of demanding excessive donations from members, which it claimed caused significant financial and emotional harm.

The Unification Church, founded in 1954 in South Korea, has long been a subject of controversy in Japan. It is recognized for its large weddings and its controversial fundraising methods, including the sale of spiritual items at high prices. These practices have led to multiple legal cases in Japan, with critics accusing the group of coercing members into financial obligations.

The appeal filed by the Unification Church argues that the dissolution order is based on a predetermined conclusion lacking factual support. The group claims the ruling violates principles of fair trial. However, the appeal does not halt the dissolution process, which includes the potential confiscation of assets. The outcome of the appeal will determine whether the order stands or is overturned.

The court’s ruling emphasized the severity of the consequences for the organization, stating it is unlikely to take corrective action voluntarily. The Tokyo High Court highlighted the financial and mental distress caused by the group’s donation policies, which it described as having caused substantial harm to many individuals.

The controversy surrounding the Unification Church intensified following the assassination of former Prime Minister Shinzo Abe in July 2022. The perpetrator, Tetsuya Yamagami, accused the group of financially exploiting his mother and contributing to his family’s bankruptcy. This incident prompted former Prime Minister Fumio Kishida to initiate an investigation into the organization’s activities.

As a result of the investigation, the Japanese government requested that the Unification Church lose its tax benefits as a religious organization. The assassination also led to increased public awareness of the group’s alleged abuses, with numerous victims coming forward to share their experiences. The ongoing legal proceedings reflect the broader societal concerns about the group’s practices and their impact on individuals.

Source: Read the original report (translated from Spanish)