Politics The role of the Unification Church in Japanese politics

[Lothor]

Japan-Korea tunnel? Not heard of that idea before! Apparently there has been discussion on it for over 100 years.

Japan–Korea Undersea Tunnel - Wikipedia

en.wikipedia.org

 

[johnnyG]

むかし、むかし、あるところに。。。

I was in korea, mid '71 to early '73, mostly in Seoul. Probably mid '72, among some of the people allowed on base were some young folks who came to "talk", their words, and one thing led to another and at one point, with a couple other fellow soldiers, I was invited downtown. So one evening in some unknown building in downtown Seoul, we continued our talks. I have no memory of what led up to that--what they'd said, or what I'd said, and so on--but there we were. At one point during the couple hours that we were there, some Korean guy came into the room, not for us (and he more or less just walked thru), but on his way to another room or something.

After this, it came up that that was Reverend Moon. These other guys and I had been talking to Moonies. In retrospect, kind of a Forest Gump moment. Of course they weren't called that at the time, and whatever else happened that evening, and later, I didn't become a Moonie.

But I remember one fellow from their group, even his name (which I won't give here, but initials JP), a british guy, maybe a year or two older than I was.

Oddly (or not?), after the army I went almost directly into the peace corps, which sent me back to Korea. Some time after I got there, and this was ~2yrs later than the above, so '74, I was in Seoul and had looked up some of the guys I had known from before, in the itaewon/hannam-dong area. Of course off base. Kind of a party environment, with beers and so on being out and around.

And who should then come in but this guy JP--still there in Korea. He didn't remember me, but I remembered him, asked what he was doing and so on. He said he'd met me before he "left the church", and seemed to be offering that more to the people he'd come with than to me. Kind of like they didn't know his full history there in Korea. I don't think he drank (or smoked) anything there, so he hadn't completely flip flopped. I wonder where he is now.

Not Moon/Unification-related, but as a peace corps volunteer I also once had dinner there with another fellow, Philip Habib, who the time was the US ambassador to Korea. A woman from a peace corps group that came a couple cycles after mine, later become the ambassador. Gee, maybe I should have pushed on a career in the foreign service* after all...


* actually, no. In the army, you only have to do your job; in the foreign service, you have to adhere to the US ideological POV. Whatever that might be at the time.

 

[thomas]

Little has been reported on the proceedings to dissolve the Unification Church. Today, on the second anniversary of former PM Abe's shooting, JT had a piece on the cult's increasingly difficult position.

Since November 2022, the culture ministry has repeatedly questioned a religious group, leading to a request in October for the Tokyo District Court to dissolve the group due to Civil Code violations. In February, the court heard both sides' views in a closed session, with the group defending its donation practices as religious activities and criticizing the government's dissolution efforts. Ongoing written discussions suggest a prolonged case, with the ministry imposing stricter asset monitoring in March to prevent asset movement. The court also fined the group JPY 100,000 for non-compliance with inquiries.

The Unification Church has filed multiple defamation lawsuits against lawyers, journalists, and others who made critical remarks about the group, but the lawsuits have been dismissed. In a separate case, a former follower's daughter is seeking ¥65 million in damages over donation solicitations. The district and Tokyo High Courts ruled in favour of the church, validating a memorandum where the follower agreed not to sue for refunds. However, the Supreme Court may overturn this ruling, having held a hearing in June. The critical issue is whether the memorandum is valid, with a decision expected on Thursday that could impact similar cases.

Unification Church in tough position two years after Abe shooting

As Monday marks the second anniversary of the fatal shooting of former Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, the Unification Church finds itself in a difficult position.

www.japantimes.co.jp

 

[thomas]

Another backlash for the Unification Church in Japan: yesterday, the Supreme Court ruled that a former follower's written promise not to seek compensation is invalid. This allows her daughter to pursue damages. The case was returned to the Tokyo High Court to reassess the legality of the church's donation solicitations. This marks the Supreme Court's first decision on donations to the controversial religious group and might open the floodgates to more court cases.

There have been other cases involving such agreements made for donations to the group and the ruling may affect lawsuits involving such pledges. In this lawsuit, the eldest daughter of a former Unification Church follower, who is deceased, is seeking 65.8 million yen ($407,000) in damages from the church and a church follower who solicited her mother to donate. The daughter, who is in her 60s, stated that the church and the follower "made her mother to donate money by stoking her anxiety that she would be unhappy if she did not donate." Lower courts ruled that the memorandum was "valid" and that no claim for compensation could be made against the church. Lower courts also rejected the daughter's appeal, finding no illegality in the solicitation of donations by the follower. The Tokyo High Court is expected to hear the case on the illegality of the solicitation. Since the Supreme Court's ruling invalidated the letter, there is room to hold the church liable.

Top court rules that pledge not to sue Unification Church is invalid | The Asahi Shimbun: Breaking News, Japan News and Analysis

 

[thomas]

I believe the judge forgot to add a few zeros...

Yesterday, the Tokyo High Court upheld a 100,000 JPY (USD 690) fine against the Unification Church for failing to cooperate with a government inquiry into its alleged illegal donation practices. The court rejected the controversial religious organization's appeal, affirming a lower court decision. The church has faced increased public scrutiny since the assassination of former PM Abe in July 2022, which was linked to the group. In March, the Tokyo District Court fined Tanaka Tomihiro, the head of the church's Japan branch, for the organization's refusal to cooperate with government authorities. The court ruled that the government had the right to question the church and obtain relevant documents.

Unification Church hit with fresh fines for impeding government inquiry

A Japanese court on Tuesday fined the Unification Church with a 100,000 yen ($690) penalty for refusing to respond to the government's inquiry into its alleged illegal donation solicitations.

english.kyodonews.net

 

[Petaris]

I believe the judge forgot to add a few zeros...

Yesterday, the Tokyo High Court upheld a 100,000 JPY (USD 690) fine against the Unification Church for failing to cooperate with a government inquiry into its alleged illegal donation practices. The court rejected the controversial religious organization's appeal, affirming a lower court decision. The church has faced increased public scrutiny since the assassination of former PM Abe in July 2022, which was linked to the group. In March, the Tokyo District Court fined Tanaka Tomihiro, the head of the church's Japan branch, for the organization's refusal to cooperate with government authorities. The court ruled that the government had the right to question the church and obtain relevant documents.

Unification Church hit with fresh fines for impeding government inquiry

A Japanese court on Tuesday fined the Unification Church with a 100,000 yen ($690) penalty for refusing to respond to the government's inquiry into its alleged illegal donation solicitations.

english.kyodonews.net

100,000 JPY is not a fine, it is a fee.

 

[thomas]

Today, I was stunned to find a US article threatening Japan with severe consequences if the country pushed through the dissolution of the Unification Church and the seizure of its assets, evoking the rise of communism in Japan:

Japan would deal a massive blow to the universal principle of religious freedom, could deeply damage its relationship with the US and would hand a major win to communist China if it follows through with an effort to punish the Unification Church, former House Speaker Newt Gingrich warned. Mr Gingrich and other prominent political and spiritual figures Tuesday night told this week's International Religious Freedom Summit 2025 in Washington that the Japanese government's push to dissolve the Unification Church and seize its assets is the most recent communist-backed attack on the church, which has operated in the country since the late 1950s. [...] "This is going to have grave consequences for the United States' relationship with Japan and our view of what is happening with Japanese politics," he said. "It's vital that Japan remain pro-freedom. Japan must follow its constitution.

‘Grave consequences’: Japan warned on campaign against church

Japan would deal a massive blow to the universal principle of religious freedom, could deeply damage its relationship with the U.S. and would hand a major win to communist China if it follows through with an effort to punish the Unification Church, former House Speaker Newt Gingrich warned.

www.washingtontimes.com

What I didn't know was that the Washington Times was founded by the Unification Church. What sort of ties does Newt Gingrich have with the Moonies?

 

[mdchachi]

What sort of ties does Newt Gingrich have with the Moonies?

Just another useful idiot bought and paid for.

 

[Lothor]

I can't stand all this hypocrisy about 'freedom' by the US, especially while it is busy shutting down any opinions and organisations that don't match the worldview of those in power.

 

[Grandpa Frank]

You're lucky I don't post political things here or I'd enlighten you on the unbelievable waste and money laundering of taxpayer's hard earned money.

 

[mdchachi]

I can't stand all this hypocrisy about 'freedom' by the US, especially while it is busy shutting down any opinions and organisations that don't match the worldview of those in power.

Unfortunately those in power don't represent the majority of the U.S. They just happen to be in power. (They got about 50% of the vote of which about 65% of the electorate voted which means about 1/3 of the electorate actually voted for them.) I just hope the U.S. can survive.

You're lucky I don't post political things here or I'd enlighten you on the unbelievable waste and money laundering of taxpayer's hard earned money.

It's hard to care about waste when the country and Democracy itself is at stake. If anybody really believes this administration cares about government waste they've got their heads up their a**. Hint: they care about personal power and money. That's pretty much it.

 

[Lothor]

Unfortunately those in power don't represent the majority of the U.S. They just happen to be in power. (They got about 50% of the vote of which about 65% of the electorate voted which means about 1/3 of the electorate actually voted for them.) I just hope the U.S. can survive.

It's hard to care about waste when the country and Democracy itself is at stake. If anybody really believes this administration cares about government waste they've got their heads up their a**. Hint: they care about personal power and money. That's pretty much it.

GF - On the subject of waste, USAID accounts (accounted) for 0.2 percent of US government spending and managed to create an enormous amount of goodwill worldwide (I used to work through a development organisation and with Americans doing similar jobs). Never mind, the Chinese will happily step in at a small cost to themselves. In contrast, the military accounts for 40 percent of US government spending.

Still, I'm sure you know what you're doing, voting in a felon to sort out that waste. Enjoy your freedom.

 

[Petaris]

GF - On the subject of waste, USAID accounts (accounted) for 0.2 percent of US government spending and managed to create an enormous amount of goodwill worldwide (I used to work through a development organisation and with Americans doing similar jobs). Never mind, the Chinese will happily step in at a small cost to themselves. In contrast, the military accounts for 40 percent of US government spending.

Still, I'm sure you know what you're doing, voting in a felon to sort out that waste. Enjoy your freedom.

This is getting a bit off-topic now.
That said, I'm not certain it would have made any difference which way the vote went. Pretty sure he was going to be president no matter the outcome.

 

[mdchachi]

Back to New Gingrich & the Moonies.

Newt Gingrich, the former Speaker of the U.S. House of Representatives, has had some documented ties to the Unification Church (commonly referred to as the "Moonies") and its affiliated organizations:

1. 2019 Meeting with Unification Church Affiliates: Gingrich participated in a meeting in Tokyo on October 4, 2019, alongside Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida (then policy chief of Japan's Liberal Democratic Party) and leaders of groups affiliated with the Unification Church. This included Masayoshi Kajikuri, head of the Universal Peace Federation Japan, and Michael Jenkins, a former president of the U.S. branch of the church. The meeting reportedly focused on U.S.-Japan relations, though Kishida later claimed he was unaware of the church's involvement at the time.

2. Advocacy for Religious Freedom: In January 2024, Gingrich spoke at the International Religious Freedom Summit in Washington, D.C., where he criticized Japan's efforts to revoke the tax-exempt status of the Unification Church. He argued that such actions could set a dangerous precedent for religious freedom globally.

3. Endorsement by Rev. Sun Myung Moon: In 2012, Gingrich received an endorsement from Rev. Sun Myung Moon, founder of the Unification Church. This endorsement highlighted his connections with Moon's network and influence.

These interactions suggest that Gingrich has engaged with the church and its affiliates in both political and advocacy contexts, particularly concerning issues like U.S.-Japan relations and religious liberty. However, there is no evidence that he is a member or adherent of the church's teachings.

 

[thomas]

Another, gasp, 100,000 JPY fine imposed on the Unification Church!

Japan's Supreme Court has ordered a religious group formerly known as the Unification Church to pay a fine for failing to respond to government inquiries appropriately. It also addressed for the first time as the Supreme Court that a civil law violation meets the requirement for a disbandment order. The Education and Culture Ministry had requested a court order to disband the group in October 2023. The ministry had exercised its authority to question the group seven times. Then, it asked the Tokyo District Court to impose an administrative penalty on the group, claiming it refused to answer some questions. The Tokyo District and High Courts ordered the group to pay fines. The group filed an appeal to the Supreme Court.

Japan's top court orders former Unification Church to pay fine | NHK WORLD-JAPAN News

Japan's Supreme Court has ordered a religious group formerly known as the Unification Church to pay a fine for failing to properly respond to government inquiries.

www3.nhk.or.jp

 

[Lothor]

Some good news. Japan is ignoring Newt Gingrich's attempts to bully the country – the best way to respond to US foreign policy at the moment – and is stripping the Unification Church of its status as a religion.

Unification Church faces dissolution in Japan

The Unification Church has come under intense scrutiny in Japan since a former prime minister was assassinated, but it could soon fall even further from grace. Authorities said in October 2023 they were seeking to dissolve the influential sect, founded in South Korea and nicknamed the "Moonies"...

japantoday.com

 

[thomas]

Above all, the likely dissolution has nothing to do with religious freedom! We are looking at an organisation that has excessively coerced donations, manipulated followers and their family members by claiming their donations will "save ancestors," violated several laws of Japan and nurtured cosy relations with Japanese politicians for decades.

Kudos to J-gov if they pull this through!

 

[Grandpa Frank]

We'll send DOGE over to audit them and weed out the corruption , LOL. There's a rumor he might open a Tesla plant there.

 

[mdchachi]

There's little political risk to giving Newt the middle finger.

 

[thomas]

It's happened!

This is just in:

Tokyo court strips Unification Church of religious corporation status

The order against the group, heavily criticized for its coercive tactics in soliciting donations, removes its tax-exempt status.

www.japantimes.co.jp

The Tokyo District Court on Tuesday ordered the Unification Church, heavily criticized for its coercive tactics in soliciting donations, to be stripped of its religious corporation status that exempts it from taxes. The legal procedure triggered by the assassination of former Prime Minister Shinzo Abe came to an end after 1½ years of closed-door hearings, pending an appeal. The court order is expected to damage its credibility as a religious group, which is formally known as the Family Federation for World Peace and Unification, and affect it financially as it needs to dispose of its assets and won't be exempt from taxes. It will, however, be allowed to continue its activities.

 

[Ukigumo]

There should be a clear separation between state and religion…like in the USA

Here in the U.K., we have 26, unelected church of England bishops who sit and vote in the House of Lords often blocking thoroughly debated bills (from the House of Commons) because they don't chime with their religious beliefs The hugely popular assisted dying bill, that will allow those with 6 months of end of life, painful suffering ahead of them to received medical help to end their lives. These bishops will undoubtedly attempt to block this bill because of their superstitions

 

[thomas]

Japan does have a separation of state and religion. The Moonies just lost their status as a religious corporation (宗教法人 shūkyō hōjin), which will deprive them of significant tax exemptions. However, they will appeal and perpetuate this case while simultaneously continuing to move large chunks of their loot to South Korea.

 

[Ukigumo]

Are politicians 'representatives of the state'? Did the Unification 'Church' have have associations with Japanese politicians that may have steered their behaviour in a particular direction, as representatives of the state?

 

[thomas]

Yes, they are. And yes, they did. However, from a legal point of view, it is quite difficult to pursue politicians engaging in "illicit contact" with a religious corporation. Only a handful of LDP black sheep were sacrificed, but there were no serious repercussions. None of them appeared in court.

What's heartbreaking is that the Unification Church can continue its unethical practices. While paying their taxes.

 

[Ukigumo]

<shudder> It's a messy business…