Japan Upholds Dissolution Order Against Unification Church
TOKYO – A Tokyo court on Wednesday affirmed a previous ruling ordering the dissolution of the Family Federation for World Peace and Unification, widely known as the Unification Church, following allegations of coercive fundraising practices. The decision marks a significant moment in Japan’s approach to regulating religious organizations and their financial activities.
The Tokyo District Court initially ordered the dissolution in March 2025, a decision the church appealed. Wednesday’s ruling by the Tokyo High Court upheld that initial order, though the church is expected to pursue further appeals.
The case centers around accusations that the organization pressured members into making substantial donations, causing financial hardship for many. The court found that the church’s fundraising methods were systematically problematic.
The Unification Church, founded in South Korea in 1954, has faced decades of controversy regarding its fundraising and recruitment tactics. The recent legal battles in Japan gained prominence following the assassination of former Prime Minister Shinzo Abe in 2022, as the suspect reportedly targeted Abe due to his perceived ties to the church.
This ruling raises broader questions about religious governance in Japan, where the relationship between faith-based organizations and the state has historically been less regulated than in some other countries. The East Asia Forum noted in May 2025 that the case could lead to evolving standards for religious organizations operating within Japan.
The Family Federation for World Peace and Unification, an Abrahamic monotheistic new religious movement, maintains it has acted within the law and respects religious freedom. However, the court’s decision signals a growing scrutiny of the church’s practices and a willingness by Japanese authorities to intervene when concerns about financial exploitation arise.
