Unification Church Scandal Threatens Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida’s Leadership

The Japanese government, led by Prime Minister Fumio Kishida, faces increasing turmoil as revelations about connections between key cabinet members and the Unification Church prompt public outcry and demands for accountability. Education and Culture Minister Masahito Moriyama’s admission of receiving support from the church-affiliated group during the 2021 House of Representatives election has intensified scrutiny on the ruling Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) and its dealings with religious organizations.

The controversy has resurfaced at a critical time for Kishida, who is already navigating challenges related to allegations of LDP members engaging in illegal fundraising activities. The spotlight on Moriyama, whose ministry oversees religious groups, has reignited concerns about the Unification Church’s influence in Japanese politics—a topic of significant debate following the assassination of former leader Shinzo Abe in July 2022. The assailant cited financial ruin caused by his mother’s donations to the church and Abe’s perceived political support for the organization as motives for the attack.

Adding to the scandal, Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshimasa Hayashi, a potential future prime ministerial candidate, disclosed a meeting with Unification Church representatives in September 2021, though he denied any financial or political support from the group. This admission further complicates the LDP’s position, as approximately 350 of its politicians have had to acknowledge some level of association with the controversial church.

Critics argue that Kishida’s administration has suffered a significant blow to its integrity and reformist agenda. Jeff Kingston, director of Asian Studies at the Tokyo campus of Temple University, suggests that the ongoing scandal has eroded Kishida’s credibility, particularly as he aimed to champion reform within the government. Editorial pieces in major Japanese newspapers have echoed this sentiment, questioning Moriyama’s suitability for his ministerial role and the broader impact of these revelations on public trust in the government.

The unfolding scandal not only undermines the LDP’s electoral strength but also highlights its reliance on support from Komeito, its political ally backed by the Soka Gakkai religious organization. The reliance on such groups reflects the party’s desperation to secure voter support amidst dwindling popularity.

With Kishida’s public approval ratings hovering around 22 percent before the recent developments, the political landscape in Japan is fraught with uncertainty. Analysts remain skeptical of a leadership change due to the lack of a clear successor within the LDP and the weakness of opposition parties. However, the scandal’s impact on the LDP’s performance in potential upcoming elections remains a critical concern, as the party grapples with the fallout from its associations with the Unification Church and the broader implications for Japanese politics.