Unification Church Designates Japanese Group as Asset Recipient in Dissolution Plans

The Family Federation for World Peace and Unification has named a Hokkaido-based religious group as the recipient of its assets in the event of its dissolution, according to court documents. The group, known as Tenchi Seikyo, was designated 16 years ago. Based in Obihiro City, Tenchi Seikyo follows traditional Japanese folk Buddhism and elements of the Christian faith.

The Unification Church, often referred to as the Moonies, was founded in 1954 by Sun Myung Moon in Seoul, South Korea. The church’s decision to transfer remaining assets to Tenchi Seikyo was made in June 2009. Katsuomi Abe, deputy chief attorney for the Lawyers from Across Japan for the Victims of the Unification Church, noted that the church “felt a sense of crisis and took preemptive measures.” He warned that the group could continue its activities under the corporate status of Tenchi Seikyo even if it were dissolved.

Under Japan’s Religious Corporations Law, residual assets from a dissolved religious entity must be managed according to the organization’s bylaws. On March 25, a Tokyo District Court ordered the dissolution of the Unification Church following allegations that it coerced members into making life-ruining donations, a practice illegal in Japan. The court’s ruling marks a significant step in addressing claims of financial exploitation against the group.

The legal team representing victims stated that the dissolution order is crucial not only for those already seeking compensation but also for those who have not yet come forward. Masaki Kito, deputy lead attorney for the legal team, emphasized that remaining assets could only be calculated after victims are compensated. The Unification Church has appealed the dissolution order to the Tokyo High Court, challenging the March 25 ruling.

If the dissolution order is upheld, it will take immediate effect, revoking the church’s legal status and tax exemptions. However, the group would still be permitted to continue its religious activities. Tenchi Seikyo, founded by Kawase Kayo in 1987 as the Spiritual Stone Worshippers Club, has approximately 111,000 members across 73 centers.

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