The case against the Unification Church is strong. Testimonials from former members such as Ogawa have been making headlines in Japan since Abe’s death.
This is not the first time the church’s practices have come under fire. The group’s “spiritual sales” fundraising tactics have been the subject of controversy since the 1980s, when the church was first accused of cajoling Japanese members into donating large sums in return for the promise of salvation.
But the church’s long-standing relationship with the LDP, along with the right to freedom of religion enshrined in Japan’s constitution, have thus far protected the group from dissolution. When asked about the investigation, a representative for the Unification Church told Nikkei Asia that the group implores the government “never to violate the right to freedom of religion.”
Experts say that dissolving the church would not infringe upon members’ religious freedoms, as it would simply change the group’s legal standing, not prevent people from becoming followers or practicing their faith.
…continue reading
Kishida sacks scandal-hit internal affairs minister
Nikkei – Nov 21
Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida sacked internal affairs minister Minoru Terada on Sunday, as pressure built on the premier to fire him over a funds-related scandal amid falling support ratings for his Cabinet.
North Korean missile flew about 1,000 km
NHK – Nov 18
Japan’s top government spokesperson says what appeared to be an intercontinental ballistic missile was fired from near the west coast of the Korean Peninsula at around 10:14 a.m. on Friday.
Myanmar releases ex-UK envoy, Aussie economist, Japan filmmaker
Nikkei – Nov 17
Myanmar’s military regime has released former U.K. Ambassador Vicky Bowman, an Australian economist and Aung San Suu Kyi aide Sean Turnell, and Japanese filmmaker Toru Kubota from prison as it attempts to mitigate a growing backlash against the generals.
Ex-Tokyo Olympic exec indicted 4th time in bribery case
Kyodo – Nov 10
Prosecutors on Wednesday brought a fourth indictment against a former Tokyo Olympic executive on charges of receiving bribes totaling around 54 million yen ($370,000) from a major advertisement company and a firm that sold stuffed dolls of the games’ mascots.
Japan gov’t urged to end free COVID-19 vaccinations
Xinhua – Nov 08
An advisory panel for the finance minister on Monday proposed that the Japanese government end free-of-charge coronavirus vaccinations, highlighting concerns over a further increase of its financial strain.
N.Korea launches several missiles, including possible ICBM
NHK – Nov 03
North Korea launched several ballistic missiles on Thursday morning. Officials from Japan’s Defense Ministry say one may have been an intercontinental ballistic missile. They are trying to determine the latest details.
Politics Page: 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7