Priyanka Tiwari
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In a landmark ruling, a Japanese court has ordered the dissolution of the Unification Church and revoked its legal and tax-exempt status. The move comes in response to a government request following the 2022 assassination of former Prime Minister Shinzo Abe and subsequent revelations of the church's alleged unethical practices.
The Unification Church, a controversial South Korean religious group founded in 1954 by Rev. Sun Myung Moon, now faces asset liquidation in Japan. The court’s decision follows allegations that the organization used manipulative fundraising and recruitment tactics, causing harm to members and their families.
The church has announced that it is considering appealing the decision in Japan’s Supreme Court.
Lawsuits and Political Ties Under Scrutiny
Families of former church members have filed lawsuits claiming that the church pressured individuals into draining their savings through donations. Many accuse the church of exploiting followers, particularly in Japan, under the pretext of atoning for Japan’s wartime actions in Korea.
The group has long been criticized for its close ties with Japan’s ruling Liberal Democratic Party (LDP), which reportedly shielded it from scrutiny for years. The relationship between the church and political figures came under intense focus following Abe’s assassination.
Connection to Shinzo Abe's Death
The assassination of Shinzo Abe marked a turning point in public perception of the church. The suspect in the case claimed he targeted Abe because of the latter’s links to the church, which he blamed for his family's financial ruin due to excessive donations.
This tragedy prompted renewed scrutiny of the Unification Church's operations in Japan and sparked widespread criticism of its influence in politics.
Abe, known for his conservative ideology, had attended events linked to the church, deepening the controversy surrounding its political reach.
What Is the Unification Church?
Founded in Seoul in 1954, the Unification Church is known for its anti-communist ideology and advocacy for Korean unification. It gained global attention through its mass wedding ceremonies, where international couples were matched by church leaders.
Rev. Sun Myung Moon, who passed away in 2012 after serving time for tax evasion, built ties with numerous world leaders, including U.S. presidents and North Korea’s Kim Il Sung.
Despite claiming millions of followers worldwide, the church has frequently faced allegations of financial exploitation and mind control tactics.
The court’s ruling marks the first time a religious organization in Japan has been legally dissolved under civil code provisions, adding a significant chapter to the already controversial legacy of the Unification Church.
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