The Tokyo High Court on March 5, 2026, upheld a lower court's order to dissolve the Family Federation for World Peace and Unification, formerly known as the Unification Church, triggering asset liquidation to compensate victims of its illegal donation practices. Potential claims could exceed ¥100 billion, raising questions about full victim relief.
The Tokyo High Court upheld the Tokyo District Court's March 2025 dissolution ruling against the Family Federation for World Peace and Unification on March 5, 2026, effective immediately. This strips the group of its religious corporation status and tax privileges, with liquidation managed by court-appointed lawyer Hisashi Ito, who plans a one-year claims filing period starting in May.
The case stems from the Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology Ministry's October 2023 request, following the July 2022 shooting of former Prime Minister Shinzo Abe by a suspect resentful of the group's political ties. Presiding Judge Motoko Miki noted the "extremely malicious" illegal solicitations and "grave" consequences, stating the organization was unlikely to reform voluntarily. This is the first dissolution based on Civil Code violations, unlike prior cases like Aum Shinrikyo involving crimes.
The lower court estimated ¥20.4 billion in damages from 1,559 victims over 40 years since around 1980. The high court conservatively assessed at least ¥7.4 billion for confirmed victims, attributing solicitations to excessive donation targets (¥40.4-56 billion annually from fiscal 2015-2022, meeting 80-90%) funding South Korean headquarters. From fiscal 2018-2022, ¥8.3-17.9 billion was remitted overseas yearly, over 90% to South Korea. Founder Sun Myung Moon and wife Hak Ja Han urged Japanese followers to "push their limits" for global aid.
Assets totaled ¥104 billion at fiscal 2024 end, with donations comprising 97% of income. The group operates 280 churches in Japan, owning 108 properties and five cemeteries, all subject to liquidation. Lawyers for victims estimate total damages, including unreported cases, could exceed ¥100 billion—potentially matching assets. Residual funds after claims would go to Tenchi Seikyo per law, though victims' lawyers call it church-affiliated and seek blocks. Bankruptcy looms if liabilities surpass assets.
The church contested the appeal (closed hearings ending November 2025), arguing inflated figures (¥18.6 billion of ¥20.4 billion from settlements), post-2023 payments over ¥3.9 billion, and a compensation committee, denying further risk. Post-ruling, it decried an "unjust" decision lacking evidence, vowing a Supreme Court appeal—though liquidation proceeds unless overturned. Chief Cabinet Secretary Minoru Kihara affirmed the government's position and ordered thorough victim relief.
