The Tokyo District Court ordered the Unification Church which they call themselves the Family Federation of World Peace and Unification on March 25.

In its decision, the court said that 32 civil judgments have recognized the existence of tortious acts by the religious group, and although damage caused has been on a downward trend since the 2009 compliance declaration, it has continued without interruption, and it can be said that damage of a scale that cannot be ignored has occurred.

It also pointed out that the solicitation of donations, which constitutes tortious acts committed by the believers, has been carried out nationwide over a long period of approximately 40 years, and has caused damage of an unprecedented scale.

Furthermore, the court said that the methods used to solicit donations were generally malicious, causing serious problems for the lives of the individuals and their families, and there were a considerable number of people who were seriously affected, and that it is clearly recognized that it will significantly harm public welfare, which is a requirement for the order to dissolve. 

This is the third time that a dissolution order has been issued on the grounds of a violation of the law, following Aum Shinrikyo and Myokakuji, both of which were convicted in criminal court.    

This is the first time, however, that a dissolution order has been issued on the basis of a tort under the Civil Code.  

S: Lawyer for Unification Church: Dissolution ordered! Dissolution! How can something like this happen in a country governed by the rule of law

If the dissolution order is finalized, the group will lose its status as a religious corporation and no longer be eligible for tax benefits.   

Decades of cozy ties between the South Korea-based church and Japan’s governing Liberal Democratic Party were revealed following the assassination of former Prime Minister Abe Shinzo in July 2022. 

The church obtained legal status as a religious organization in Japan in the 1960’s during an anti-communist movement supported by Abe’s grandfather, former Prime Minister Kishi Nobusuke.