Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshimasa Hayashi, a key figure in the Japanese government, has acknowledged his interaction with individuals linked to the Unification Church, a move that adds to the growing scrutiny over the political connections of this controversial religious group in Japan. Hayashi’s admission on February 7th about his September 2021 meeting with members of a group affiliated with the Unification Church—now known as the Family Federation for World Peace and Unification—has sparked further investigation into the church’s influence on Japanese politics.
The meeting, which took place in Hayashi’s office located in his constituency in Yamaguchi Prefecture, was reportedly facilitated by local political community members. Hayashi mentioned that this encounter was one among several similar meetings, although specifics about the participants and the discussion topics remained unclear. He firmly denied receiving any political support or donations from the church or its affiliates, addressing concerns about potential undue influence or favoritism within his political activities.
This revelation came to light following a report by Shukan Shincho magazine, which detailed the meeting on its online platform, bringing immediate media attention to Hayashi’s connections with the church. The timing of Hayashi’s confirmation coincided with Prime Minister Fumio Kishida’s response to inquiries during a Diet session about Hayashi’s involvement with the church. Kishida, addressing questions from Chinami Nishimura, a member of the Lower House from the Constitutional Democratic Party of Japan, acknowledged awareness of Hayashi’s meeting but defended his Cabinet against allegations of improper ties to the church.
Prime Minister Kishida emphasized that a thorough review had been conducted within his Cabinet, concluding that there were no recent instances of support from the church or its affiliated organizations in forms such as endorsements, donations, or any other election-related assistance. This statement aimed to reassure the public and lawmakers of the government’s independence and integrity despite these controversial revelations.
However, the Diet session also witnessed Education Minister Masahito Moriyama’s admission of having signed an agreement in 2021 with an organization linked to the Unification Church, which presumably supported him in the Lower House election where he secured his seat. Despite calls for Moriyama’s resignation following this disclosure, Kishida has stood by his minister, rejecting the demands for Moriyama to step down.
The ongoing disclosures of political figures’ interactions with the Unification Church have ignited a debate on the extent of the church’s influence within Japanese politics and the potential implications for governance and public trust. As more details emerge, the controversy underscores the delicate balance political leaders must maintain in their affiliations and interactions, ensuring transparency and accountability in their engagements with religious and other interest groups.
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