A Japanese court has ordered the dissolution of the controversial Unification Church, following increased scrutiny after the assassination of former Prime Minister Shinzo Abe in 2022.
The suspected gunman reportedly stated that his motive stemmed from resentment toward Abe’s connection to the church, which he blamed for driving his family into financial ruin.
Japan’s Ministry of Education and Culture called for the church’s disbandment, accusing it of pressuring members into making excessive donations and other costly sacrifices.
The Unification Church, widely known as the “Moonies,” defended its fundraising practices, claiming that these contributions were part of legitimate religious activities. The organization still has the option to appeal the court’s decision.
The Tokyo District Court’s ruling will revoke the church’s tax-exempt status and force it to liquidate its assets, though it will still be permitted to function as a religious organization in Japan.
Authorities, during their investigation, uncovered evidence that the church exploited followers’ spiritual anxieties, coercing them into purchasing overpriced items. Nearly 200 individuals came forward, describing how they had been victimized.
Founded in South Korea by Sun Myung Moon, the Unification Church has been active in Japan since the 1960s. The nickname “Moonies” is derived from its founder’s name.
Long before Abe’s assassination, the church faced controversy for its teachings, including the belief that marriage plays a central role in achieving spiritual salvation. The organization is also known for hosting massive wedding ceremonies with thousands of couples.
Since 2023, around 200 former followers have sought financial compensation, totaling approximately 5.7 billion yen (around $38.5 million), according to legal representatives.
Further investigations following Abe’s death exposed deep ties between the Unification Church and numerous lawmakers from Japan’s conservative ruling party. The revelations led to the resignation of four government ministers.
An internal probe conducted by the Liberal Democratic Party, led by former Prime Minister Fumio Kishida, revealed that 179 out of its 379 lawmakers had engaged with the Unification Church.
These findings stunned the nation, revealing the extent of the church’s influence in Japanese politics.
