7 sources·World

Japanese Court Orders Dissolution of Unification Church Amid Controversies

A Tokyo court dissolves the Unification Church after allegations of manipulative practices, following investigations tied to the assassination of former PM Shinzo Abe.

The distribution of story sources: left-leaning (blue), center (light gray), and right-leaning (red).
Reliable
The underlying sources consistently report facts with minimal bias, demonstrating high-quality journalism and accuracy.
Balanced
The underlying sources are either a balanced mix of left and right or primarily centrist.
Subscribe to unlock this story

We really don't like cutting you off, but you've reached your monthly limit. At just $3/month or $30/year, subscriptions are how we keep this project going. Start your free 7-day trial today!

Get Started
  1. Tokyo court orders dissolution of ‘Moonies’ Unification church

    The order followed a request by Japan’s education ministry in 2023 to dissolve the influential South Korea-based sect, citing manipulative fundraising and recruitment tactics that sowed fear among followers and harmed their families.

    Tokyo court orders dissolution of ‘Moonies’ Unification church

    The GuardianThe Guardian·1M
    Reliable
    This source consistently reports facts with minimal bias, demonstrating high-quality journalism and accuracy.
    ·
    Leans Left
    This outlet slightly leans left.
  2. What is the Unification Church and why did a Japanese court order it dissolved?

    Experts say Japanese followers are asked to pay for sins committed by their ancestors during Japan’s 1910-1945 colonial rule of the Korean Peninsula, and that the majority of the church’s worldwide funding comes from Japan.

    What is the Unification Church and why did a Japanese court order it dissolved?

    Associated PressAssociated Press·1M
    Reliable
    This source consistently reports facts with minimal bias, demonstrating high-quality journalism and accuracy.
    ·
    Center
    This outlet is balanced or reflects centrist views.
  3. Court Orders Dissolution of Unification Church in Japan

    The church has acknowledged excessive donations but says the problem has lessened since the group stepped up compliance in 2009.

    Court Orders Dissolution of Unification Church in Japan

    TIME MagazineTIME Magazine·1M
    Reliable
    This source consistently reports facts with minimal bias, demonstrating high-quality journalism and accuracy.
    ·
    Leans Left
    This outlet slightly leans left.
  4. Japan court orders controversial 'Moonies' church to disband

    The revelations about the extent and level of involvement of the controversial church and the LDP shocked the nation.

    Japan court orders controversial 'Moonies' church to disband

    BBC NewsBBC News·1M
    Reliable
    This source consistently reports facts with minimal bias, demonstrating high-quality journalism and accuracy.
    ·
    Center
    This outlet is balanced or reflects centrist views.
  5. A court orders the dissolution of the Unification Church in Japan

    The church, which officially calls itself the Family Federation for World Peace and Unification, is the first religious group to face a revocation order under Japan’s civil code.

    A court orders the dissolution of the Unification Church in Japan

    CNNCNN·1M
    Reliable
    This source consistently reports facts with minimal bias, demonstrating high-quality journalism and accuracy.
    ·
    Leans Left
    This outlet slightly leans left.
  6. A Japanese court orders the dissolution of the Unification Church, report says

    The Tokyo District Court’s revocation of the church’s legal status means it will lose its tax-exempt privilege and must liquidate its assets.

    A Japanese court orders the dissolution of the Unification Church, report says

    ABC NewsABC News·1M
    Reliable
    This source consistently reports facts with minimal bias, demonstrating high-quality journalism and accuracy.
    ·
    Center
    This outlet is balanced or reflects centrist views.
  1. The Guardian
  2. Associated Press
  3. TIME Magazine
  4. BBC News
  5. CNN
  6. ABC News
Updated: Mar 25th, 2025, 8:31 AM ET

Summary

A summary of the key points of this story verified across multiple sources.

Following a Tokyo District Court order, the Unification Church faces dissolution over manipulative practices harming its followers, exacerbated by investigations linked to the assassination of Shinzo Abe in 2022. The Education Ministry’s request cited extensive evidence of coercive fundraising and recruitment tactics. The church, also known as the Family Federation for World Peace and Unification, has criticized the ruling as a violation of religious freedom. This marks a historic first under Japan's civil code, amidst ongoing scrutiny of the church’s ties to powerful politicians, though it plans to appeal the ruling.

Perspectives

Compare opinions on this story from liberal (Left), conservative (Right) or center-leaning news organizations.

  • A Japanese court has ordered the dissolution of the Unification Church, citing manipulative fundraising practices and the church's exploitative tactics towards followers amidst ongoing investigations linked to the assassination of former Prime Minister Shinzo Abe.

  • The Unification Church plans to appeal against the court's decision, asserting that the ruling threatens religious freedom and misinterprets legal statutes regarding religious organizations.

  • The dissolution order highlights long-standing connections between the church and Japan's governing Liberal Democratic Party, prompting public and political scrutiny.

FAQs

A list of follow-up questions readers often ask about this story.

No FAQs available for this story.

Japanese Court Orders Dissolution of Unification Church Amid Controversies - Pano News