A Japanese court has ruled to revoke the Unification Church's official recognition, which means it will no longer benefit from tax exemptions and must liquidate its assets. This decision underlines concerns raised during the investigation into the assassination of former Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, which revealed multiple ties between Abe's party and the church. Founded in South Korea in 1954, the church has faced scrutiny for its recruitment practices. The Education Ministry labeled the church's tactics as harmful to individuals and their families, marking a historical precedent in Japan's approach to religious organizations.
A Japanese court has ordered the Unification Church to be stripped of official recognition, following an investigation into the 2022 death of former Prime Minister Shinzo Abe.
The church, officially called the Family Federation for World Peace and Unification, was founded in South Korea and obtained legal status in Japan in 1968.
Japan's Education Ministry requested the court to dissolve the Japan chapter of the sect in 2023, citing manipulative fundraising tactics harmful to followers.
The church can appeal the decision in a higher court, but this ruling marks a significant moment in the relationship between government and religious groups in Japan.
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