Unification Church appeals Tokyo court’s disband order

The Family Federation for World Peace and Unification, known as the Unification Church, has appealed a Tokyo court’s decision to dissolve the religious group. The appeal was filed with the Tokyo High Court on April 7, challenging the lower court’s ruling that revoked the group’s status as a religious corporation on March 25. The court’s order followed complaints that the group collected at least 20.4 billion yen (US$135.2 million) from over 1,500 followers through coercive means, which is illegal under Japan’s Civil Code.

Norishige Kondo, a senior official in the church’s legal affairs department, submitted the appeal on behalf of the group. In a statement reported by Jiji Press, the Unification Church said the dissolution order was “a foregone conclusion” and “ignored the law and the facts.” The group expressed its belief that the court’s decision was unjust and politically motivated.

Susumu Murakoshi, lead attorney for Lawyers from Across Japan for the Victims of the Unification Church, voiced disappointment with the ruling. He emphasized the importance of the appeal being dismissed promptly to allow victims to seek relief. “It is crucial that the dissolution order becomes final for the victims’ relief,” he told Jiji Press.

The dissolution order will take effect immediately if upheld by the Tokyo High Court. Disbandment procedures will begin even if the group appeals to the Supreme Court. Following the district court ruling, Tomihiro Tanaka, president of the Unification Church in Japan, told the media on March 27 that the decision was “unjust” and politically motivated. He expressed hope that “with prayer and faith, we can overcome this situation together.”

The Unification Church has faced scrutiny in recent years, particularly after former Prime Minister Shinzo Abe was fatally shot in 2022 by Tetsuya Yamagami. Yamagami allegedly held a grudge against the group due to the large donations made by his mother, who filed for bankruptcy in 2002. The Unification Church stated that half of Mrs. Yamagami’s donations were returned to her in 2009 as part of a settlement. It added that her son was never a member of the group and had signed a statement accepting the agreement.

In a statement on April 1, the World Mission Headquarters of the Family Federation for World Peace and Unification expressed serious concerns about the lower court ruling. The group described the decision as a “grave matter that cannot be overlooked” and emphasized its awareness of the seriousness of the situation. The appeal continues as the group seeks to challenge the court’s decision and protect its status as a religious organization.

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