A Tokyo court has ordered the dissolution of the Unification Church, also known as the “Moonies,” following its controversial role in the assassination of former Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe in 2022. The decision comes after the alleged assassin claimed to have been motivated by grievances against the church, blaming it for financially ruining his family due to its aggressive donation practices.
The Unification Church, which originated in South Korea in the 1950s, has been active in Japan since the 1960s. Known for its mass wedding ceremonies and teachings that emphasize marriage as essential for spiritual salvation, the church has faced ongoing scrutiny for its coercive tactics, particularly involving financial exploitation of its followers.
Japan’s Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science, and Technology had petitioned for the church’s dissolution, accusing it of manipulating members into making excessive financial contributions. The court’s ruling strips the organization of its tax-exempt status, mandates the liquidation of its assets, and orders it to cease any fundraising activities. However, the church is allowed to continue operating in Japan, with the right to appeal the decision.
Investigations revealed that the church employed high-pressure tactics, including exploiting followers’ fears about their spiritual well-being, to force them into purchasing expensive items and making substantial donations. Approximately 200 former members, claiming to have been coerced into donating, are seeking compensation from the church, demanding a total of 5.7 billion yen ($38.5 million).
The Unification Church had already been a subject of controversy before the assassination, with its influence over Japanese politics coming under intense scrutiny. After Abe’s death, it was revealed that many members of the ruling Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) had close ties to the church, including attending events and accepting donations. This led to the resignation of four LDP ministers, further shocking the nation and prompting investigations into the church’s involvement in Japanese politics.
This ruling is the latest chapter in the ongoing legal and political fallout from the Unification Church’s controversial practices and its connection to the shocking events surrounding Shinzo Abe’s assassination.
