Tokyo protesters standing for religious freedom as they demand end to state persecution, calling the authorities to revoke unjust dissolution order
Tokyo, 9th 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 Truth from the Family Federation” – 750 Believers March in Demonstration in Ikebukuro, Tokyo
by the editorial department of the Sekai Nippo
Prepared by Knut Holdhus
On 8th June 2025, the Tokyo Citizens’ Association for the Protection of Fundamental Human Rights and Freedom of Religion, composed of believers of the Family Federation for World Peace and Unification (formerly the Unification Church), held a demonstration in Toshima Ward, Tokyo. They called for the revocation of the dissolution order against the religious organization.
Starting from East Ikebukuro Central Park, the roughly 750 participants – according to organizers – marched through the surrounding areas of Ikebukuro, divided into three groups as they proceeded through the busy streets on a holiday.
Wearing orange hats, participants carried placards at the front and sides of their groups, with messages such as: “Please listen to the voices of truth from the believers!”
With calls from loudspeakers on campaign vehicles, in unison they chanted slogans like:
“Revoke the dissolution order!”
“The media coverage is largely distorted!”
A female believer in her 30s from Nerima Ward, who joined the march with her two children, appealed, “My children look forward to going to church. I want to protect religious freedom for their sake.”
A male believer in his 20s shared his thoughts: “I don’t know if a demonstration is the best way, but I don’t want to just do nothing and let it end. I want to put my whole heart into this until the very end.”
Featured image above: Believers of the Family Federation for World Peace and Unification march through the streets of Ikebukuro during a demonstration – Afternoon of 8th June 2025, Toshima Ward, Tokyo. Photo: Takahide Ishii (石井孝秀)