The Unification Church, often called the "Moonies," has had roots in Japan since the 1960s but faced intense scrutiny after the 2022 assassination of former prime minister Shinzo Abe. The killer claimed his actions were fueled by grievances against Abe’s connections to the church, which he blamed for bankrupting his family.
As a result, Japan's Ministry of Education and Culture has pursued the church's dissolution, accusing it of pressuring followers into making exorbitant donations and sacrifices. While the organization can appeal the court's decision, the ruling strips it of tax-exempt status and mandates asset liquidation, although the church can continue its operations.
Investigators found that many followers reported being manipulated into purchasing high-priced goods under duress, all while fearing for their spiritual health. Some 200 former church members are seeking a total of 5.7 billion yen (approximately $38.5 million) in compensation, claiming they were coerced into donating.
The fallout from Abe's assassination revealed significant ties between the Unification Church and Japan's ruling Liberal Democratic Party (LDP), resulting in the resignation of several ministers. An internal review found that 179 out of 379 lawmakers had connections with the church, igniting public outrage and raising questions about ethics and transparency in government.
As a result, Japan's Ministry of Education and Culture has pursued the church's dissolution, accusing it of pressuring followers into making exorbitant donations and sacrifices. While the organization can appeal the court's decision, the ruling strips it of tax-exempt status and mandates asset liquidation, although the church can continue its operations.
Investigators found that many followers reported being manipulated into purchasing high-priced goods under duress, all while fearing for their spiritual health. Some 200 former church members are seeking a total of 5.7 billion yen (approximately $38.5 million) in compensation, claiming they were coerced into donating.
The fallout from Abe's assassination revealed significant ties between the Unification Church and Japan's ruling Liberal Democratic Party (LDP), resulting in the resignation of several ministers. An internal review found that 179 out of 379 lawmakers had connections with the church, igniting public outrage and raising questions about ethics and transparency in government.
