The Unification Church, founded in South Korea by Sun Myung Moon, has been active in Japan since the 1960s and is known for its controversial teachings on marriage and mass wedding ceremonies.
Japan Court Orders Dissolution of Unification Church Amid Controversy
Japan Court Orders Dissolution of Unification Church Amid Controversy
A Japanese court has ordered the disbandment of the Unification Church, known as the "Moonies," following scrutiny over its practices and connections to the assassination of former Prime Minister Shinzo Abe.
The Tokyo district court has mandated the dissolution of the Unification Church, responding to allegations of financial exploitation and coercive practices against its followers. These claims intensified after the assassination of Shinzo Abe in 2022, where his assassin cited grievances linked to the church's influence on Abe. Japan's authorities have accused the church of manipulating its members into making substantial donations, impacting victims significantly. Although the church can appeal this ruling, they face new scrutiny as approximately 200 former members seek 5.7 billion yen in compensation for their alleged coerced contributions. Investigations have revealed extensive connections between the church and conservative lawmakers, leading to significant political fallout.
