Thousands march in Osaka and other cities to protest the Japanese government’s oppressive dissolution order against the Family Federation
Tokyo, 30th June 2025 – Published as an article in the Japanese newspaper Sekai Nippo. Republished with permission. Translated from Japanese. Original article.
“Listen to the Voices of Active Believers”
1,600 Rally in Osaka; Over 4,000 Nationwide Over Two Days Call for Withdrawal of Dissolution Order Against the Family Federation
by the editorial department of Sekai Nippo
prepared by Knut Holdhus
To protest the dissolution order against the Family Federation for World Peace and Unification (formerly the Unification Church), believers from across the country held simultaneous rallies and protest marches on June 28 and 29, calling out, “Protect freedom of religion and human rights!”
In Osaka City, about 1,100 people (according to organizers) marched through the bustling Umeda district, chanting slogans like
- “Listen to the voices of active believers!”
- “Religious oppression is a threat to democracy!”
They appealed to passersby. A rally preceding the march was attended by 1,600 people.
Satoshi Hamada (浜田聡), a member of the House of Councillors from the NHK Party and the first lawmaker to join such a rally, emphasized that freedom of religion is a key principle of his party. He warned, “If the dissolution actually goes through, it would be playing right into the hands of terrorists. Is that what we want?”
A female believer in her 20s from Osaka City said she participated to show that she believes of her own free will as a “second-generation” member (born into the faith).
In Mitaka City, Tokyo, about 400 believers gathered in Inokashira Park and marched around the area near JR Kichijoji Station, stating, “We want to protect our precious faith and church!”
In Matsuyama City, Ehime Prefecture, around 250 believers gathered and marched through the streets, appealing, “If you have any questions, please ask us directly!”
According to the religious organization‘s public relations office, other protest marches took place in Nagoya City (about 600 people), Saitama City (about 150), Fukushima City, Fukushima Prefecture (about 300), and Mito City, Ibaraki Prefecture (about 230). Over the two days, more than 4,000 believers participated in the protest marches nationwide.
Featured image above: Members of the Family Federation march in a demonstration under the blazing sun – 29th June 2025, Kita Ward, Osaka City. Photo: Tsuyoshi Toyoda (豊田剛)