A Japanese court has ruled that the Unification Church, also known as the Moonies, must disband after years of controversy.
The decision comes after the assassination of former Prime Minister Shinzo Abe in 2022 brought renewed attention to the group’s influence and fundraising practices.
Authorities launched an investigation after Abe’s alleged assassin claimed he was motivated by his family’s financial ruin, which he blamed on the church’s aggressive donation demands. The education and culture ministry then moved to dissolve the religious organization, accusing it of pressuring followers into making excessive financial sacrifices.
The Tokyo District Court’s ruling removes the Unification Church’s tax-exempt status and requires it to liquidate its assets. However, the church can still operate in Japan and has the option to appeal the decision.
Investigators interviewed nearly 200 people who said they were manipulated into giving large sums of money, often by exploiting their fears about spiritual well-being. Some former members have filed lawsuits, seeking billions of yen in compensation.
The Unification Church, founded in South Korea, has been active in Japan since the 1960s. It is known for its mass weddings and strict teachings on marriage and salvation.
Beyond its financial dealings, the church has long been tied to Japan’s ruling Liberal Democratic Party (LDP). An internal probe revealed that nearly half of the party’s lawmakers had some form of connection with the group, from attending events to receiving election support. The fallout from these revelations led to the resignation of several government ministers.
Public backlash against the church intensified after the extent of its political influence became clear. The court’s ruling is seen as a major step in addressing the concerns raised by former members and the wider public.