Issues Surrounding the Family Federation Are a “Fabrication”

Commemorative Talk Event for the Publication of The Sacrifice of the State (Kokka no Ikenie) by Masumi Fukuda

Chiyoda Ward, Tokyo

On December 22, a talk event commemorating the publication of The Sacrifice of the State, written by Masumi Fukuda, was held at a venue in Chiyoda Ward, Tokyo. The event was organized by the Association of Second-Generation Members for the Protection of the Human Rights of Believers (represented by Kiaki Kojima). A large number of participants attended the event, and the venue was filled. Lively discussions took place on issues such as freedom of religion, the role of the media, and challenges surrounding the judiciary.

The event consisted of two parts.

In the first part, following the master of ceremonies’ opening remarks, Kiaki Kojima delivered an address on behalf of the organizers. Kojima expressed gratitude to the author, Fukuda, for carefully examining the background and circumstances of the issue through her book, explaining that this conviction led to the planning of the event.

After the introduction of guests, Kazuyoshi Hanada, President of Asuka Shinsha, the publisher of the book, took the stage. He emphasized that The Sacrifice of the State is an important work for considering the protection of freedom of religion in Japan. He further stated that the mainstream media (so-called “old media”) has not sufficiently addressed widespread misunderstandings surrounding the principle of separation of religion and state, nor the fact that the Family Federation has long taken a critical stance toward communism.

Next, literary critic Eitaro Ogawa delivered a recommendation speech, praising Fukuda’s determination by stating, “Continuing this series for three years required tremendous courage.” He added that the book should be read not only by members of the Family Federation, but especially by those outside the faith. “If the media is reporting something that is significantly at odds with the facts, that in itself raises questions about the state of our society,” he said, expressing his hope that the book would reach as many people as possible.

Former House of Councillors member Satoshi Hamada stated that he had repeatedly raised questions in the National Diet regarding the issue of dissolving the Family Federation, and added that he had introduced the book on YouTube earlier that morning, offering his endorsement.

Following this, the author Masumi Fukuda took the stage. She recalled her initial impressions from the start of her reporting, stating, “The Family Federation has long been portrayed as an ‘absolute evil,’ but when I actually met its members, I found many of them to be exemplary members of society.” She also reflected that she had very little knowledge of religion before beginning her research, but over the past three years had continued her reporting while learning for herself what religion is. She pointed out that Japanese society in general lacks understanding of religion, leading to a significant gap in perception.

Fukuda further noted that even after completing the series, the widespread belief persists that members of the Family Federation are under mind control. She explained that a strongly negative image of the organization as a “bad religion” has been formed, and that this image has been reinforced by particular narratives. She stated that her work has revealed, to a certain extent, the process through which the Family Federation has been portrayed as an absolute evil.

In the second part, a talk session was held, moderated by Kojima, featuring a panel discussion with Fukuda, Ogawa, and Hamada.

Fukuda remarked, “The mere fact that I attend events hosted by the Family Federation is treated as though it were a criminal act.” She stressed that while she wants the public to know the truth, the greatest obstacle standing in the way is the media. She also pointed out that the media refuses to report on the reality of abductions and confinement (targeting members of the Family Federation), or on the true nature of those who oppose such practices. Referring to her previous book Fabrication, which exposed how a Fukuoka elementary school teacher was falsely branded a “murderous teacher” by the media, she explained that while that case involved an individual, the issue surrounding the Family Federation represents what she described as a state-level “fabrication.”

Ogawa reflected on the 1970s, noting that during a period of intense confrontation between the political right and left, the International Federation for Victory over Communism expanded as a major movement uniting forces on the right. He pointed out that ideological struggles were waged by directing criticism at religious organizations associated with those movements.

Kojima stated that he initially believed the issue of second-generation members was largely driven by television ratings, but gradually came to understand it as part of a broader ideological confrontation. Hamada expressed a strong sense of concern, warning that if a dissolution order were approved, the wishes of those who had resorted to violent means could, as a result, be fulfilled. While acknowledging that the situation is difficult, he emphasized that it is not unwinnable. He also revealed that after questioning the dissolution of the Family Federation in the Diet, several lawmakers came to thank him, suggesting that many legislators privately share similar concerns.

Ogawa remarked that the tide appears to be turning, stressing the need to properly understand the principles underlying freedom of religion. He suggested that changes in the stance of long-established publishing houses may be one contributing factor. At the same time, he offered a measured assessment of the current situation, noting that although Prime Minister Takaichi is frequently criticized on television, her approval ratings have not declined, indicating a relative decline in the influence of television media.

When Kojima raised the issue of being surprised that no hearings had been conducted with active believers, Fukuda responded that this was likely due to the widespread circulation of the seemingly plausible theory that “believers are under mind control,” describing the method as highly effective. In response, Ogawa stated that although television exerts a powerful influence on society, it remains important to convey the actual circumstances to appropriate audiences.

Fukuda further stated that, in the case of the Family Federation, there are many instances in which she feels the judiciary’s judgments are particularly severe. She questioned aspects of the district court’s reasoning and evaluation of evidence regarding the dissolution issue. She also referred to concerns expressed by United Nations special rapporteurs and others from the perspective of international human rights law regarding Japan’s response, as noted in an official press release by the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights dated October 1, 2025.

In closing, Ogawa stated that behind current judicial controversies lie certain ideological perspectives that have influenced public discourse. He emphasized the importance of mobilizing public opinion and stressed that evidence-based discussion, such as that presented in this book, is essential. Hamada echoed this sentiment, concluding the event by stating that although the struggle is severe, the tide is unquestionably changing.

Among the guests was Seishiro Sugihara, former professor at Musashino Women’s University, who praised the book for explaining not isolated incidents but the overall picture, noting its significant social impact. He emphasized the importance of the publication and added that a key outcome of the event was the shared recognition of the need to reveal to the public the nature of those criticizing the former Unification Church.