Push for transparency as young members demand to know the truth and challenge having the dissolution hearings behind closed doors
Tokyo, 12th July 2025 – Published as an article in the Japanese newspaper Sekai Nippo. Republished with permission. Translated from Japanese. Original article.
Application to take part in non-public court proceedings (closed hearings)
Second-Generation Members of the Family Federation Hold Press Conference
by the editorial department of Sekai Nippo
prepared by Knut Holdhus
In response to the closed court proceedings regarding the request for a dissolution order of the Family Federation for World Peace and Unification (formerly the Unification Church), a group of second-generation believers has expressed opposition to the non-public nature of the hearings. On 11th July, the group “Association of Second-Generation Members to Protect the Human Rights of Believers” – led by Nozomi Kojima (小嶌希晶) reported that they had submitted a written application to the Tokyo High Court on 10th July to participate as interested parties.
The request to participate in the hearings was made by eight individuals, including leader Kojima. They are church staff, working adults, and students who are believers. The group collected over 35,000 signatures opposing the dissolution order through non-contentious procedures [See editor’s note below]. If their participation is granted, they will be able not only to attend the hearings but also to review submitted materials and call witnesses independently of the church.
Kojima emphasized that if the hearings continue to be held behind closed doors, “All we can do is watch the church disappear while being presumed guilty.”
She added that even experts are saying, “It is questionable to treat this as a non-contentious case [See editor’s note below]; shouldn’t it be made public?”
She further explained the reason for seeking to participate as an interested party: “We don’t know if the hearings are being conducted fairly. I want to know what will happen to my church.”
Featured image above: Nozomi Kojima (小嶌希晶), leader of Association of Second-Generation Members to Protect the Human Rights of Believers, speaking at the press conference in Tokyo 11th July 2025. Photo: Sekai Nippo
[Editor’s note: A non-contentious case refers to a legal matter where there is no dispute between parties. These cases typically involve administrative, procedural, or uncontested legal actions, such as probate (handling a deceased person’s estate), uncontested divorces, adoption, or registering a trademark. Since there are no opposing parties or legal conflicts, these cases usually proceed smoothly through the legal system without litigation.]