Demonization by Media of Faith Minority Decried

Media’s demonization of religious minority brought up at symposium calling for fair and impartial trial for Family Federation in appeal hearings at Tokyo High Court

Tokyo, 16th September 2025 – Published as an article in the Japanese newspaper Sekai Nippo. Republished with permission. Translated from Japanese. Original article.

“Demonization by Media”

Family Federation Symposium in Fukuoka Calls for Fair and Impartial Trial

by editorial staff of Sekai Nippo

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

A symposium of Kyushu intellectuals and religious leaders calling for a fair and impartial trial regarding the government’s request to dissolve the Family Federation for World Peace and Unification (formerly the Unification Church) was held in Fukuoka City on 15^th September, with about 800 people attending. The symposium was also streamed on YouTube.

At the symposium, nonfiction writer Masumi Fukuda (福田ますみ), author of the book Fabrication: The Man Called a Murderous Teacher, greeted the audience, saying, “Over 20 years ago, I came to Fukuoka many times to cover that case.” She noted that in the fabricated case, the narrative was quickly set that the school or teacher was at fault, with the media deciding the storyline. Criticizing biased reporting, she added,

“When it comes to the Family Federation as well, the media has completely demonized it.”

Attorney Tatsuki Nakayama (中山達樹) commented on the dissolution order having been decided through non-contentious proceedings [See editor’s note below], saying,

“The problem starts from here. It is strange that even the High Court hearings are closed to the public.”

After the symposium, about 600 people, led by Family Federation President Tomihiro Tanaka (田中富広) and attorney Nakayama, marched around Hakata Station, chanting slogans such as

“Please listen to what the believers really say!” and “Closed-door hearings are unfair! We demand a fair and impartial trial!”

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

Featured image above: At the head of the demonstration after the rally (from front left) Shingo Inoue (井上真吾), Kitakyushu City Council member; Ryuichi Sunagawa (砂川竜一), pastor of Tsukishiro Christian Church; attorney Tatsuki Nakayama (中山達樹); and Tomihiro Tanaka (田中富広), president of the Family Federation, 15^th September 2025, Chūō Ward, Fukuoka City. Photo: Kennosuke Teraguchi (寺口賢之介)

[Editor’s note: A non-contentious case refers to a legal matter where there is no dispute between parties. These cases typically involve administrative, procedural, or uncontested legal actions, such as probate (handling a deceased person’s estate), uncontested divorces, adoption, or registering a trademark. Since there are no opposing parties or legal conflicts, these cases usually proceed smoothly through the legal system without litigation.]

Related to demonization by media of faith minority: Lawfare: State Uses Legal System in War on Faith

Also related to demonization by media of faith minority: MEXT’s Legal Spin and “Dissolution at All Costs”

Also related to demonization by media of faith minority: UN Report: Japan’s Lawfare Against Faith Minority

And also related to demonization by media of faith minority: Protesting No Transparency in Closed-Door Trial

More, related to demonization by media of faith minority: Dangerous Flaws in Dissolution Order Decried

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