A Tokyo district court has mandated the disbandment of the Unification Church, linking its operations to financial coercion and the 2022 assassination of ex-PM Shinzo Abe, amidst rising allegations of misconduct and corruption within the organization.
Japan Court Orders Dissolution of Unification Church Amid Controversy

Japan Court Orders Dissolution of Unification Church Amid Controversy
The controversial Unification Church, often referred to as the "Moonies," faces dissolution following scrutiny tied to the assassination of former Prime Minister Shinzo Abe.
A Tokyo district court has made a significant ruling to dissolve the Unification Church, also known as the "Moonies," a religious group with origins in South Korea that has been active in Japan since the 1960s. This decision comes in the wake of increased scrutiny following the shocking assassination of former Prime Minister Shinzo Abe in 2022. The alleged assassin expressed grievances leveraging Abe's connections to the church, citing its alleged role in his family's financial ruin.
Japan's education and culture ministry had pushed for the church's disbandment, alleging manipulation of adherents into making substantial financial contributions as part of a broader pattern of exploitation. Despite the ruling, the church maintains that these donations are standard practices associated with their religious activities and has the opportunity to appeal the court's decision.
The ruling will result in the church losing its tax-exempt status and being mandated to liquidate its assets, although it will maintain the ability to operate within Japan. Reports have emerged indicating that church representatives allegedly coerced followers into purchasing expensive goods by preying on their spiritual fears. An investigation found nearly 200 individuals who claimed to have been victimized by the church's practices.
The Unification Church gained notoriety even before the assassination due to its teachings that marriage is essential for spiritual salvation, frequently organizing mass wedding ceremonies for countless couples. In the aftermath of Abe's assassination, around 200 former church members are seeking compensation, with total claims reaching 5.7 billion yen (approximately $38.5 million) according to their legal representatives.
Further investigations revealed deep connections between the church and members of Japan's ruling Liberal Democratic Party (LDP), prompting the resignation of four ministers. An official inquiry disclosed that 179 of the party's 379 lawmakers had engaged with the Unification Church, participating in events or receiving financial support. The extent of these affiliations raised significant concerns regarding the church's influence within Japan's political landscape, leading to national outrage and calls for reform.