“We have to turn this around even if it takes 10 or 20 years”: Japanese second-generation leader speaks out
Published on August 14, 2026
By Editorial Department of Sekai Nippo (Original Article)
On August 9, Nozomi Kojima, representative of the “Second-Generation Association to Protect Believers’ Human Rights”—a group centered around second-generation members of the Family Federation for World Peace and Unification (the Family Federation, formerly the Unification Church)—attended a talk event organized by believers in Osaka City, Osaka Prefecture. Kojima, who continues to amplify the voices of active believers even after the decision to dissolve the religious organization, stated, “I hope this gathering serves as a catalyst for churches to work together more proactively in hosting similar events.”
Reflecting on his feelings when the Tokyo High Court issued the dissolution order against the organization on March 4, Kojima confessed, “As a believer, I was so deeply saddened that I lost the will to do anything.” Explaining why he nevertheless chose to continue his activities, he said, “Many people encouraged me, pointing out that this decision would impact members of other religions as well, and that we must work to overturn this—even if it takes 10 or 20 years.” Addressing the approximately 350 believers gathered at the venue, he added, “Amid ongoing anxiety and hardship, seeing so many people come together across church boundaries to share this time gave me hope.”
Attorney Shinichi Tokunaga also attended the talk event. Reflecting on the High Court’s ruling and the claims made by the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology (MEXT), Tokunaga pointed out, “They likely assumed that the only way to ‘rescue’ mind-controlled believers was through dissolution, operating under the belief that dissolving the church would resolve the issue.” He went on to urge the audience: “Even after dissolution, it is crucial for believers to gather and act to protect their church. The warm relationships where everyone supports one another, as well as the nature of your faith, haven’t changed at all. If you can show the Japanese public the reality of your faith, you will be able to overcome this current time of trial.”