Story perspectives

Tokyo Court Dissolves Unification Church, Sparks Global Outcry

3/6/2026

Summary

Court Strips Church

On March 4, 2026, the Tokyo High Court dissolved the Unification Church, closing 260 worship sites nationwide.
Liquidators with police began asset seizures and restricted access to church facilities.
Critics say the dissolution rests on vague 'public welfare' notions and violates International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR).
Four United Nations Special Rapporteurs condemned the ruling, warning it could damage Japan's standing and urging reforms to protect religious freedoms.

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Court Strips Church

On March 4, 2026, the Tokyo High Court dissolved the Unification Church, closing 260 worship sites nationwide.
Liquidators with police began asset seizures and restricted access to church facilities.
Critics say the dissolution rests on vague 'public welfare' notions and violates International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR).
Four United Nations Special Rapporteurs condemned the ruling, warning it could damage Japan's standing and urging reforms to protect religious freedoms.