Call for Fair Media Coverage at Rally in Osaka

“Hear Our Voices!” – Osaka march highlights one-sided media narrative as Family Federation demonstrators appeal for balanced and fair media 

Tokyo, 1st September 2025 – Published as an article in the Japanese newspaper Sekai Nippo. Republished with permission. Translated from Japanese. Original article.

Masaki Kubota: “Communicate a Positive Image!”

Family Federation Holds 600-Person Demonstration March in Osaka

by the editorial department of Sekai Nippo

See also Writers, Clergy Urge Rethink of Media Narrative

See also 1,800 March in Osaka Calling for Fair Trial

At the rally, freelance writer Masaki Kubota (窪田順生) pointed out that compared to two years ago – when criticism of the Family Federation was overwhelming – there have been noticeable changes in media perspectives. He revealed that several media professionals have begun to question whether “the claims of opposing lawyers and journalists are necessarily correct.” He emphasized that “showing who you are as people is the most important thing for your group” and stressed the importance of projecting a positive image to society.

Kano Sakurai (櫻井香乃 – 27), whose mother is a Family Federation member and father is Muslim, shared that while her parents experienced conflict due to religious differences, she witnessed them praying for their children and thus “saw the reality of loving one another beyond differences.” She expressed her wish to “see a world where people can understand each other beyond nations and religions.” Responding to criticism that the group is “anti-Japanese”, she argued,

“(Family Federation founder) Rev. Sun Myung Moon helped struggling Japanese students during his time studying in Japan, and after the war he made efforts so that Japanese persons left behind in Korea were able to return home.”

Despite the scorching heat that made one sweat just by standing, believers marched through central Osaka for 40 minutes that day. They appealed to passersby, questioning media coverage and the government’s stance:

“The reports are full of opinions from former members pushing for the dissolution of the religious organization, while the voices of current believers are not reflected at all.”

The demonstrators urged society to listen to the voices of active members.

See also Writers, Clergy Urge Rethink of Media Narrative

See also 1,800 March in Osaka Calling for Fair Trial

Featured image above: Masaki Kubota (窪田順生) giving a speech at the rally prior to the demonstration (back row, fourth from left) – 31^st August 2025, Kita Ward, Osaka. Photo: Rei Miyazawa (宮沢玲)

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