Exhibition reveals dehumanization of believers, allowed to go unpunished by authorities not only turning a blind eye but working in league with perpetrators seeking to dissolve the faith
Logo of the Sekai NippoTokyo, 28th January 2025 – Published as an article in the Japanese newspaper Sekai Nippo. Republished with permission. Translated from Japanese. Original article.
“Unthinkable Inhumane Methods”
Abduction, Confinement, and Forced Deconversion Panel Exhibition in Kurume, Fukuoka, Japan
by the editorial department of Sekai Nippo
Photo used at the panel exhibition: Toru Goto in 2008, barely able to move after being held in forcible detention by his own family in league with professional faith-breakers for more than 12 years. Photo: Kazuhiro Yonemoto / Japanese Victims’ Association against Religious Kidnapping and Forced ConversionSee also Demonization by Media of Faith Minority Decried
A panel exhibition showcasing cases of abduction, confinement, and forced deconversion against former Unification Church (now Family Federation for World Peace and Unification) believers – described as “the worst human rights violation in postwar Japan” – was held on 26th and 27th January at the Kurume City Plaza in Kurume, Fukuoka Prefecture. Around 370 citizens attended the event.
A woman in her 30s, after hearing explanations about the realities of forced deconversion, expressed her outrage, stating,
“The inhumane methods used by those carrying this out are simply unthinkable. They should be properly punished under the law.”
Another woman in her 40s was visibly shaken, saying,
“I was truly shocked to learn that something like this was happening in Japan. It was even more painful to realize that trusted family members and relatives were involved.”
Interfaith Symposium on Religious Freedom
On 27th January, the same venue hosted the “Experts and Interfaith Forum”, featuring a symposium on the role of religion and freedom of belief in modern society.
The session began with two victims of abduction and confinement sharing their personal experiences. This was followed by speeches from:
- Pastor Ryuichi Sunagawa (砂川竜一) of Tsukishiro Christian Church in Okinawa
- Chief Priest Ryoma Fukami (深見量眞) of Kamo Shojoji Temple
- Shunsuke Uotani (魚谷俊輔), Secretary-General of UPF-Japan (Universal Peace Federation)
Speaking before about 30 attendees, including university professors and religious leaders from Konko-kyo [See editor’s note below], the panelists addressed issues of religious persecution and freedom.
Pastor Ryuichi Sunagawa, Tsukishiro Christian Church, Nanjo City, Okinawa, Japan. Photo: Sekai NippoPastor Sunagawa, deeply apologetic, said,
“I am truly sorry that Christian pastors have been involved in abduction and confinement. I sincerely apologize.”
He then posed a question, “Why is the Family Federation being persecuted?” and shared his belief that
“God is preparing this organization, which loves both the nation and the family, for a greater purpose.”
Shunsuke Uotani. Photo: Screenshot from XMeanwhile, Secretary-General Uotani analyzed the current challenges facing the Family Federation, which is facing a dissolution request from the Japanese government. Outlining future prospects for the organization, he suggested a possible breakthrough, stating,
“The key to influencing Japan’s government lies with the United Nations and the Trump administration in the U.S.”
Featured image above: Abduction and Confinement Panel Exhibition held in Kurume City, Fukuoka on 26th January 2025. Photo: Sekai Nippo
[Editor’s note: Konkō-kyō is a Japanese religious movement founded in 1859 by Bunjirō Kawate, a farmer from present-day Okayama Prefecture. It became part of the Association of Sectarian Shintō and is considered a forerunner of Japan’s post-World War II “new religions.” The faith centers on the deity Konkō (Golden light shines) and emphasizes a direct, personal relationship between humans and the divine.
A key belief in Konkō-kyō is the role of the toritsugi (mediator), a figure who intercedes between people and the deity, taking on their struggles and transmitting prayers. The position of mediator is hereditary, passed down through the founder’s male descendants. The faith teaches that god and humans share a bond akin to that of a parent and child, promoting gratitude, sincerity, and harmonious living.
Konkō-kyō remains an active religious movement, with a significant following in Japan.]
See also Coercive Faith-Breaking in Prison-Like Set-Ups
See also Japan: Exhibition Exposes Horrors of Persecution
See also Exhibition Shock: “Members Treated Like Animals”
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