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Court ruling finalizes dissolution of Unification Church
A Japanese appeals court has rejected the Unification Church's challenge to a dissolution order, paving the way for the controversial religious group to lose its legal status and tax exemptions, local media reported on Wednesday.
Background to the case
The Tokyo District Court initially ordered the church's dissolution last year after Japan's education and culture ministry accused it of exploiting followers through coercive fundraising tactics. The ministry argued that the group manipulated members into making exorbitant donations, leading to financial ruin for many families.
Appeal rejected, dissolution takes effect
The Tokyo High Court dismissed the church's appeal, affirming the lower court's decision. The ruling means the dissolution order will now be enforced immediately, though the church retains the option to escalate the case to the Supreme Court.
Once finalized, the order will strip the Unification Church of its tax-exempt status and require it to liquidate its assets. However, the group may continue operating in Japan under a different legal framework.
Ties to Shinzo Abe's assassination
The church, widely known as the "Moonies," faced heightened scrutiny following the 2022 assassination of former Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe. The gunman, Tetsuya Yamagami, cited his family's financial devastation at the hands of the church as motivation for the attack. Yamagami, 45, was sentenced to life in prison in January but has since appealed the ruling.
Financial exploitation and political fallout
Investigations revealed that the Unification Church pressured followers into purchasing overpriced items by preying on fears about their spiritual well-being. According to last year's district court ruling, the church extracted approximately 20.4 billion yen ($130 million; £97 million) from more than 1,500 individuals.
The scandal also exposed deep connections between the church and conservative lawmakers, further fueling public outrage.
Government response and next steps
Chief Cabinet Secretary Minoru Kihara announced on Wednesday that the government would implement relief measures for victims, as reported by Kyodo News. He emphasized the need for a transparent liquidation process under judicial oversight to ensure swift compensation for those affected.
"I hope the liquidation process will be carried out properly under the supervision of the court, ensuring swift redress for the victims,"
Minoru Kihara, Chief Cabinet Secretary
The Unification Church, founded by the late Sun Myung Moon-whom followers revered as a messiah-has long been a polarizing presence in Japan. This ruling marks the first time a religious organization in the country has been dissolved for a civil offense.
