Lawyers’ Group Seeks Answers on Unification Church Ties from Japanese Politicians

The National Federation of Lawyers for Countermeasures against Psychic Fraud has published responses to an open questionnaire sent to nine candidates for the LDP presidential election and four candidates for the Constitutional Democratic Party leadership election. The questionnaire asked about their relationship with the World Peace Unification Family (formerly the Unification Church) and efforts to provide relief to victims.

Hiroshi Yamaguchi, a lawyer from the National Association of Lawyers for Countermeasures against Psychic Fraud, and others explain the status of responses to the public questionnaire in Chiyoda Ward, Tokyo.

Can Japanese Politicians Tackle the Issues Surrounding the Former Unification Church Head-On?

The questionnaire consisted of five questions and was faxed to each candidate’s office on the 12th, with the deadline for responses being the 17th. Attorney Hiroshi Yamaguchi, the representative caretaker of the National Federation of Bar Associations, pointed out that the government acknowledges the cult has caused enormous damage through donations and other means. He emphasized the importance of LDP members clearly responding in writing that they would sever ties with the former Unification Church.

Lawyer Katsuomi Abe also commented on the lack of response from the LDP, stating, “It is very unfortunate that there was no response from the LDP.” He added, “Each candidate is calling for reform of the party, but the litmus test will be whether they can tackle the issue of the former Unification Church head-on.”

All Four Candidates in the Constitutional Democratic Party Leadership Election Responded

From the CDP side, responses that clearly stated the severing of ties were prominent. For example, Yoshida Harumi stated, “we should cut off all contact,” while Noda Yoshihiko emphasized the need to “be thorough in not having any relationship whatsoever. It would be useful to establish a system of checks to prevent any relationship from arising.”

In response to a question about the need for effective legislation to prevent the cult from concealing assets in order to provide relief to victims, all respondents answered that it was necessary. Edano Yukio stated that “legal reforms are needed to strengthen the authority of the courts to order the preservation of assets and to expand the role of liquidators,” while Izumi Kenta emphasized the need for “legislation that provides for the comprehensive preservation of assets.”