Surviving more than 12 years locked up in Tokyo apartment, Toru Goto publishes on the anniversary of his release his account of the ordeals he suffered
Tokyo, 11th February 2025 – Published as an article in the Japanese newspaper Sekai Nippo. Republished with permission. Translated from Japanese. Original article.
“Unable to Vote in 19 Elections”
After More Than 12 Years in Confinement – an Opportunity to Reflect on the Preciousness of Faith – Goto Publishes His Autobiography
by the editorial department of Sekai Nippo
prepared by Knut Holdhus
Toru Goto (後藤徹) – now 61 – representative of the National Association of Abduction, Confinement, and Forced Deconversion Victims, has published his autobiography “Deadly Struggle: Surviving 4,536 Days of Confinement” (published by Sogei Publishing). The book details his experience of being held captive by his family, the legal battle he fought after his release, and his reflections on the ordeal.
Goto, a believer in the Family Federation for World Peace and Unification (formerly the Unification Church), was confined for 12 years and 5 months – from the age of 31 to 44 – by his family under the guidance of pastors and activists who considered the Family Federation heretical. He was held in an apartment in Suginami Ward, Tokyo, and was only released 17 years ago on the same date as yesterday’s book launch – 10th February. To mark the occasion, a lecture celebrating the book’s publication was held in the same district, attracting about 300 attendees.
“Deprived of all freedom” – Goto’s testimony
In his lecture, Goto described the harrowing nature of religious abduction and confinement: “You are completely stripped of your freedom and held captive until your faith is completely destroyed.”
He also emphasized the impact on his civil rights, stating that he was unable to vote in 19 elections during his years in captivity.
Goto explained that families of believers were often instructed by pastors specializing in faith-breaking: “The families are told, ‘It’s difficult to break free from mind control on your own. Only specialists can help.’ This so-called ‘protection’ is actually abduction and confinement, but the use of deceptive language numbs them to the fact that they are committing a crime. In some ways, my own family were also victims.”
Regarding the publication of his autobiography, he stated: “I hope this will be an opportunity for people to truly consider what freedom of religion means.”
Family Federation leader’s perspective: the tragedy of exploiting family bonds
Among the guests at the lecture was Tomihiro Tanaka (田中富広), president of the Family Federation in Japan. He criticized the practice of forcible faith-breaking, stating: “What is absolutely unforgivable is how they exploit the deep emotional bond between parents and children. When you read ‘Deadly Struggle’, you will see the title takes on a deeper meaning.”
Tanaka also pointed out that 70% of individuals subjected to abduction and forced de-conversion ultimately leave the church. However, he added: “Only a handful of them take legal action against their perpetrators. The real question is, have they been able to mend their relationships with their families? How have they coped with PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) and the ruptures in their personal lives? As long as abduction and confinement persist, tragedies will continue – whether they remain in the church or not.”
The event also featured speakers such as Tatsuhiro Iwamoto (岩本龍弘), a former pastor of the United Church of Christ in Japan and now an independent YouTuber, as well as attorney Shinichi Tokunaga (徳永信一).
March for religious freedom
Following the lecture, Goto and attendees marched approximately 3 kilometers to a park near the Ogikubo apartment where he was once confined. Leading the rally, Goto and participants chanted slogans such as:
- “Protect freedom of religion and fundamental human rights!”
- “Abduction and forced de-conversion of Family Federation believers is a crime!”
Legal victory and compensation
Goto filed a civil lawsuit against his family, the pastors, and faith-breaking activists responsible for his confinement. In 2015, the Supreme Court ruled in his favor, ordering the defendants to pay 22 million yen (approx. $150,000) in damages.
Featured image above: Toru Goto (後藤徹), representing the National Association of Abduction, Confinement, and Forced Deconversion Victims, shares his experiences at a lecture 10th February 2025, Suginami Ward, Tokyo, marking the publication of his autobiography “Deadly Struggle”. Photo: Takahide Ishii (石井孝秀)