The Japanese state is using tactics reminiscent of totalitarian regimes like China and North Korea: Believers who have done nothing wrong face seizure of the church they built with their own hands
Tokyo, 26th June 2025 – Published as an article in the Japanese newspaper Sekai Nippo. Republished with permission. Translated from Japanese. Original article.
[Series] Where Will the Believers Go? The Issue of the Family Federation’s Dissolution and Its Corporate Facilities (Church Properties) (Part 3)
“Seizing the Church Is Heartless”
Isehara: A New Church Built by Having Discussions
by the Religious Freedom Investigative Team of the editorial department of Sekai Nippo
prepared by Knut Holdhus
Located in central Kanagawa Prefecture, Isehara City lies just north of Isehara Station, where one can see Mt. Ōyama spreading out from the Tanzawa mountains. This region has long been known for its strong grassroots religious traditions, such as pilgrimages to Mt. Ōyama since the Edo period.
About a 10-minute walk toward Mt. Ōyama brings you to a white stone gate marked with the name of the “Isehara Church” of the Family Federation for World Peace and Unification (formerly Unification Church). This building is one of the organization’s corporate-owned facilities.
In early June, around 60 believers gathered in the second-floor sanctuary for Sunday service. After the service, the preacher shook hands with each attendee, smiling and engaging warmly. The church, which has about 200 members, only had its dedication ceremony on 22nd September of last year. The long, narrow plot of about 250 square meters faces a busy road, and the three-story building – formerly housing banks and other offices – was renovated into a church facility.
Inside, a wall displays the names of contributors to the “Church Dedication Fund”. The nameplates show families and individuals who donated to transform the building into a church. Church staff member Tomihiko Horikawa (堀川富彦, 62) explained that contributions were made “within each family’s means, without overburdening anyone”. Over 100 people donated to help purchase the facility.
To build the new church, the Isehara Church formed a “Dedication Committee” in March 2023. After each Sunday service, committee meetings were held where 24 representatives of the congregation discussed details like the renovations to be made.
Teruo Yamazaki (山崎輝夫, 74), a believer who worked tirelessly as the committee chair, emphasized, “This church reflects the voices of believers – from the floor plan to the wallpaper. That’s why we’re deeply attached to it,”
The committee reportedly held more than 50 meetings to finalize the details.
The previous facility, used for over 30 years, was a rental property in poor condition, with cracked walls and the appearance of an abandoned building. Hana Sato (pseudonym, 28), a second-generation believer whose parents are members, said, “It was the kind of place you’d hesitate to enter. Compared to that, the new, clean building is a world apart.”
As a committee member, she also gave input on things like wallpaper design. When the new facility was completed, she said she was “truly happy” and smiled as she showed off the youth room where other second-generation believers gather – a room she feels especially attached to because her ideas were included.
However, if the dissolution of the organization is decided, liquidation procedures will begin, and corporate assets will be frozen. During this process, religious activities in buildings registered under the corporate name will, in principle, be prohibited. Liquidation is expected to take at least one year, potentially several. Until a decision is made on whether the property will be sold, religious activities by church members will be restricted.
Sato expressed her sorrow, saying: “Now, second-generation members gather in the youth room for lunch, spending more time together. We’ve gotten close enough to talk about things we never could before. Just thinking about losing this place is heartbreaking.”
She added: “Some say it’s okay – we can meet somewhere else – but that’s far from easy. There are things we can only do in this space, which belongs solely to us. Even without making specific plans, we can come here, relax, connect without worrying about time, people, or surroundings, and expand what we can do. This facility we poured our hearts into – built through so much effort – must never be taken from us.”
There remains concern about whether the voices of second-generation believers – who chose their faith of their own will – will be heard. Yamazaki also raised his voice: “If this facility, less than a year after its dedication, is taken away and sold, that would be a heartless decision that completely ignores the voices of the believers on the ground.”
Featured image above: Worship service in the newly renovated sanctuary of the Family Federation Isehara Church – Isehara City, Kanagawa Prefecture. Photo: Arisa Takezawa (竹澤安李紗)