On April 4, the Tokyo High Court reaffirmed the lower court's ruling that ordered the dissolution of the former Unification Church, known as the Family Federation for World Peace and Unification. The court's ruling grants immediate effect to the dissolution order, enabling the commencement of liquidation procedures, including compensation for approximately 190 victims of illicit fundraising. Although the organization plans to appeal to the Supreme Court, the immediate effects of the ruling mean that its legal existence as a religious corporation is set to end, though it may continue as a voluntary religious group without its previously granted legal status.

The ruling stems from claims that the former Unification Church had exploited over 1,560 individuals over the last four decades, extorting approximately 20.4 billion yen in unlawful benefits. The Tokyo District Court previously found that the church's activities constituted serious violations of the law, leading to unprecedented harm as a religious organization. The court emphasized that maintaining the church’s corporate status was inappropriate given these actions, which had significantly affected the lives of many individuals involved.

In response to the ruling, the organization has contested that it has made sincere efforts for reform since declaring compliance in 2009 and has provided substantial compensation to victims. However, the court did not accept these claims, indicating that the church's response to the allegations had been insufficient. This ruling marks a significant moment, as it is only the third case in Japan where a religious corporation has been ordered to dissolve after similar precedents involving serious criminal activities.