Unification Church Allegedly Supported 290 LDP Lawmakers in 2021 Election, Report Claims

Suspicion has emerged that the Family Federation for World Peace and Unification (formerly the Unification Church) internally reported to President Hak Ja Han Moon that it had supported 290 Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) lawmakers in the October 2021 House of Representatives election. This information was reported by major South Korean newspapers and subsequently cited by Japanese outlets such as Yomiuri Shimbun Online. Furthermore, internal documents are also said to contain a description stating that "membership records were deleted" regarding Tetsuya Yamagami, the accused in the shooting incident involving former Prime Minister Shinzo Abe.

Unification Church Internal Report Reveals Political Connections

According to reports, internal documents, said to have come to light in connection with investigations by South Korean prosecutors, include content where the Unification Church reported to President Hak Ja Han Moon that "the total number of LDP lawmakers we supported alone reached 290" in the 2021 House of Representatives election. This statement suggests the possibility of support extending to parties other than the LDP, once again highlighting the potential for the Unification Church to have exerted broad influence in Japanese politics.

Allegation of Deletion of Tetsuya Yamagami's Membership Records

Furthermore, a notable point is the report that internal documents contain a description stating that "membership records were deleted" for Tetsuya Yamagami, the accused. If this is true, it raises suspicion that the organization may have intended to conceal its relationship with Yamagami. Official confirmation of this information from the Japanese side is awaited.

Social Media Reactions and Future Developments

Following the South Korean newspaper reports, numerous concerns have been voiced on social media, such as "Is the LDP tainted by the Unification Church?" and "Was the election rigged?" Many users are demanding a thorough investigation into this issue and accountability from the politicians involved. Interest has also been shown in why major media outlets like the Yomiuri Shimbun have begun reporting on the issue, with future reports and government responses attracting attention.

Some point out that South Korea's stance on issues surrounding the Unification Church differs from Japan's, with special prosecutors taking action in South Korea. The focus will be on whether these latest reports will accelerate efforts to clarify the relationship between the Unification Church and politics in Japan.

The Context

The Family Federation for World Peace and Unification, commonly known as the Unification Church, is a religious movement founded in South Korea. It has a long and controversial history in Japan, known for its aggressive fundraising tactics, spiritual sales (reikan shoho), and accusations of coercing followers. Historically, it has cultivated close ties with conservative politicians in Japan, often providing campaign support in exchange for political influence. This relationship came under intense scrutiny following the assassination of former Prime Minister Shinzo Abe in July 2022. The assassin, Tetsuya Yamagami, stated his motive was vengeance against Abe for his perceived links to the Unification Church, which Yamagami blamed for bankrupting his family. This incident led to a public outcry, revealing the extensive and often hidden connections between the LDP and the Unification Church. The Japanese government has since launched investigations into the group, including an application for a dissolution order. This article discusses new revelations from South Korea, where the Unification Church originated, further fueling calls for transparency and accountability regarding the group's political involvement in Japan.