Unification Church followers disclose details of support for Hagiuda’s political campaign

Koichi Hagiuda, the policy chief of Japan’s ruling Liberal Democratic Party, has long been the subject of speculation regarding his ties to the Unification Church. Despite his tendency to express surprise when his connections to the group are brought up, some members of the church have taken it upon themselves to remind him of their longstanding relationship.

Church followers and other sources claim the Unification Church has supported Hagiuda’s political career long before he entered the Diet. They also credit the group with playing a role in his political resurgence after losing his Diet seat. However, Hagiuda has consistently denied or downplayed these connections, a stance that has reportedly left some church members feeling slighted.

In a recent development, church followers have broken from their usual policy of secrecy and shared additional details about their deep connection with Hagiuda. One such instance involved a message posted on the Line communication app for several hundred church members and others on June 16, six days before the start of the official Upper House election campaign.

The message announced a “pep rally” at the church’s facility in Hachioji, western Tokyo, on June 18. It referred to the event as “S,” a code for “senkyo” (election), and described the work as “the center of providence” of the church. The message urged participation, stating, “This is absolutely a must-win.”

A follower who had previously participated in election activities with the church explained the hidden meanings in the message. Members, recognizing the use of “S” and “providence,” understood that the event was meant to bring Hagiuda and Akiko Ikuina, a former idol and novice LDP candidate, to the church. The follower noted that messages from the group are intentionally designed to be obscure to outsiders.

On June 18, about 150 church followers gathered to welcome Hagiuda, who was then the economy minister, at the rally. After urging attendees to vote early in the election, an MC announced, “Here they are! Hagiuda-san and Ikuina-san are coming in!” This moment highlighted the church’s active role in supporting Hagiuda’s political endeavors, even as he has publicly downplayed his ties.

Source: Read the original report