2nd-generation member tells conference on freedom of religion that bullying of religious minorities in Japan is very likely to continue if they don’t raise their voices
Tokyo, 14th October 2024 – Published as an article in the Japanese newspaper Sekai Nippo. Republished with permission. Translated from Japanese. Original article.
“Points of connection with society”
One year since the request for a court order to dissolve the Family Federation
by the editorial department of Sekai Nippo
prepared by Knut Holdhus
On 13th October 2024, a symposium with the theme of freedom of religion and basic human rights was held in Saitama City. It marked that one year has passed since the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology (MEXT) filed a request with the Tokyo District Court to issue an order to dissolve the Family Federation for World Peace and Unification (formerly known as the Unification Church). Participants at the symposium asserted that freedom of religion and basic human rights should be protected. At the same time, they acknowledged the need for reflection where necessary and emphasized the importance of sending positive messages to society.
Teruaki Tsuji (辻照明), representing “The Saitama Citizens’ Group for the Protection of Freedom of Religion and Basic Human Rights”, criticized the ministry’s decision, stating that it suppresses freedom of thought and belief.
Following this, there was a report that second-generation believers had been excluded from an international event hosted by an organization affiliated with Saitama prefecture, because the governor of Saitama, Motohiro Ono (大野元裕), had declared a severance of ties with the Family Federation.
Non-fiction writer Masaki Kubota (窪田順生), who continues to cover the Family Federation, stated that protecting freedom of religion requires three key elements: (1) documenting facts of repression, (2) engaging in dialogue with people of differing values, and (3) maintaining a positive attitude and not forgetting humor.
Tatsuki Nakayama (中山達樹), an international lawyer advising the Family Federation on compliance, advised that the Family Federation is perceived similarly to Aum Shinrikyo by the public. In order to be understood it is crucial to have points of connection with society.
Nozomi Kojima (小嶌希晶), representing the “Second-Generation Association to Protect the Human Rights of Believers”, revealed that due to the dissolution order, the image of religion as a whole has worsened. When interacting with members of other religions, they feel the need to first offer an apology. She also shared that several religious figures had advised them to “be more confident”, and had also said, “If you don’t raise your voice, you will continue to be bullied.”
After the symposium, participants marched around the area where the Saitama Prefectural Offices are located, chanting slogans such as “Protect freedom of religion and basic human rights” and “We firmly oppose the dissolution order.”
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Featured image above: Speakers discussing the future vision of the Family Federation 13th Oct. 2024, Urawa Ward, Saitama City, Japan. Photo: Tsuyshi Toyoda (豊田剛) / Sekai Nippo