Japan Court Orders Dissolution of Unification Church Following Abe's Assassination

A Tokyo court has ordered the dissolution of the Japanese branch of the Unification Church, prompted by investigations linked to the assassination of former Prime Minister Shinzo Abe in 2022. The court's ruling came after the Education Ministry cited manipulative fundraising practices that financially harmed church members, with claims of damages totaling approximately $140 million. The church, known for its mass weddings and founded by Rev. Sun Myung Moon, plans to appeal the decision, arguing it infringes on religious freedom. This unprecedented ruling reflects ongoing concerns about the church's political connections, particularly with the ruling Liberal Democratic Party, where investigations revealed substantial ties between lawmakers and the church. The dissolution marks a significant legal action against a religious organization in Japan, which has historically been protective of such groups. The case highlights broader societal issues regarding religious manipulation and the need for regulatory oversight.