A Japanese appeals court has affirmed a lower court’s decision to dissolve the controversial Unification Church, according to local media reports.
The ruling follows a decision last year by the Tokyo District Court, which ordered the religious group to disband after Japan’s education and culture ministry accused it of pressuring followers into making excessive financial contributions.
On Wednesday, the Tokyo High Court dismissed the church’s appeal, rejecting its claim that the donations in question constituted legitimate religious practices.
Often referred to as the “Moonies,” the church faced intensified public scrutiny after the 2022 assassination of former Prime Minister Shinzo Abe.
The gunman, Tetsuya Yamagami, said he targeted Abe over the former leader’s reported links to the church, which he blamed for financially ruining his family. Yamagami, 45, received a life sentence in January and has since appealed the ruling.
The Unification Church is the first religious body in Japan to be issued a dissolution order. The initial directive from the Tokyo District Court sought to revoke the group’s tax-exempt status and require it to liquidate its assets, while still permitting religious activities within the country.
With the high court rejecting its first appeal, the dissolution order is now set to take effect immediately, according to local reports. The church, however, retains the option of appealing to Japan’s Supreme Court.
Controversy surrounding the organization predates Abe’s killing. Founded by the late Sun Myung Moon, who followers regarded as a messiah, the church has long faced criticism over its teachings and fundraising practices.
Investigations launched after Abe’s death uncovered close relationships between the church and several conservative lawmakers. Authorities also concluded that the organization had pressured members into purchasing high-priced items by exploiting concerns about their spiritual welfare.
