Statement from the World Mission Headquarters of the Family Federation for World Peace and Unification on the Tokyo High Court’s Decision to Dismiss the Family Federation’s Appeal in Japan
The World Mission Headquarters of the Family Federation for World Peace and Unification expresses deep concern and regret regarding today’s decision by the Tokyo High Court to dismiss the appeal filed by the Family Federation in Japan. The World Mission Headquarters respects the judicial systems of all nations. However, we emphasize that the universal principles of democracy—namely, freedom of religion and due process—must never be undermined. We therefore reaffirm the Family Federation’s position in Japan and issue the following statement.
Retroactive application and arbitrary interpretation of the law threaten the rule of law.
The Family Federation in Japan has consistently maintained that these judicial proceedings violate constitutional principles and international human rights norms by arbitrarily altering long-standing legal interpretations and applying such changes retroactively. Numerous legal and religious experts have also raised serious concerns regarding the first-instance ruling, and in October last year, the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) warned of possible violations of international human rights law. The Family Federation in Japan maintains that these concerns have not been given sufficient consideration.
Past events must never be used as grounds to justify discrimination that harms future generations.
This decision effectively formalizes a social stigma against countless young members and their families who have built their lives with integrity, unrelated with past events. Such a ruling extends beyond the dissolution of a legal entity and risks becoming a form of state-inflicted harm that imposes disadvantages across the entirety of individual citizens’ lives. No form of hatred or discrimination should ever be justified in the name of the law or public institutions. We cannot help but be deeply concerned that this judgment may lead to even greater discrimination against members of the Family Federation in Japan, who have already endured years of anxiety, stigma, and exclusion.
The World Mission Headquarters respectfully calls upon the wisdom, attention, and solidarity of the international community to ensure that the foundations of democracy—namely, respect for individual faith and freedom of life choices—are not undermined. We remain committed to the vision of “one family of humankind under God,” steadfastly continuing our work in 194 nations to foster harmony within families, to contribute to society, and to pursue peace-building efforts. Furthermore, through responsible operations that align with the laws and social standards of each nation, we will press forward without pause toward the realization of sustainable peace for humanity.
March 4, 2026
Family Federation for World Peace and Unification
World Mission Headquarters