The Tokyo High Court will decide on March 4 whether to uphold a lower court's order for the Unification Church to disband. If upheld, the order will take effect immediately, even if the group appeals to the Supreme Court, triggering liquidation procedures. This stems from public backlash following the 2022 fatal shooting of former Prime Minister Shinzo Abe.
Informed sources reported on February 4, 2026, that the Tokyo High Court will rule on March 4 regarding the Unification Church's dissolution order from a lower court. If the high court upholds it, the order becomes effective regardless of a potential Supreme Court appeal, initiating liquidation. The church could persist as a voluntary group but would forfeit its religious corporation status and tax privileges.
The case traces back to the July 2022 assassination of former Prime Minister Shinzo Abe. The shooter, harboring resentment toward the church, targeted Abe over perceived connections. This incident amplified scrutiny of the group's practices, including coercive donations. In October 2023, the culture ministry petitioned the Tokyo District Court for dissolution.
In March 2025, the district court ordered disbandment, citing illegal acts under the Civil Code. The church appealed immediately, contending that dissolution was unwarranted after agreeing to collective mediation with donation victims. Appeal hearings wrapped up in November 2025.
The outcome will shape the church's trajectory significantly. Dissolution would lead to asset liquidation, while the group seeks ways to maintain operations.
