Unification Church in Japan Sets Aside $66 Million Compensation Fund Amid Legal Scrutiny Over Fundraising Tactics

Church's move follows accusations of manipulative fundraising, infiltrating ties with government officials, and tax evasion, while a dissolution order and the revoking of its legal status hang in the balance.

The Unification Church in Japan plans to establish a fund worth up to $67 million (10 billion yen) for potential compensation claims arising from accusations of its manipulative fundraising tactics.
The Japanese Education Ministry asked the Tokyo District Court to revoke the church's legal status following an investigation into alleged systemic manipulation of its followers into making donations, causing familial strife and inciting fear.
If the church loses its legal status, it will continue to operate but lose its tax-exempt status and face financial challenges. Concerns exist about the church possibly hiding assets overseas before any court decision, hence lawmakers are exploring measures to keep the assets in Japan for compensation purposes.
Tomihiro Tanaka, head of the Japanese branch of the church, assured that the group had no intents to move funds overseas and maintained that they had committed no wrongdoings. He also extended an apology to former followers and their families for the sufferings endured.
The Unification Church's ties with Japan’s governing Liberal Democratic Party have drawn criticism after being unveiled following the assassination of former Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, allegedly by someone motivated by Abe's links to the church. The revelation has negatively affected support for Prime Minister Fumio Kishida’s government.