Shinzo Abe’s killing spotlights Unification Church’s ties with Japanese conservatives

The church’s links to some politicians in Japan, accused of ‘promoting’ the South Korean organisation, have emerged since Abe’s death

Some Koreans in Japan fear hate incidents following the assassination, with students at Tokyo Korean School told to avoid unnecessary outings

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A man signs a book of condolence for former Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, who was killed on Friday, at the Japanese embassy in Thailand. Photo: EPA-EFE

Published: 5:39pm, 12 Jul 2022Updated: 8:11pm, 12 Jul 2022

Former Japanese prime minister Shinzo Abe’s assassination, at the hands of a loner with grievances over his mother’s religious donations, has brought to light the South Korean-founded Unification Church’s steady ties with Japanese conservative politicians.

The church has been heavily relying on donations from Japanese followers for its income and Japanese conservative politicians have been acting like “billboards” in expanding its influence in the country, a long-time observer said.

In an exclusive interview with This Week in Asia, South Korean observer Reverend Steven Tahk Ji-woong, of the Anglican Church in Japan, also said he was concerned that hate incidents – words and possibly physical attacks – against Koreans living in Japan could increase following the killing.

Tokyo Korean School, which one of Tahk’s children attends, has put its students on guard, urging them to refrain from unnecessary outings and be careful with words and acts.

A vehicle carrying the body of former Prime Minister Shinzo Abe during his funeral procession in Tokyo on Tuesday. Photo: EPA-EFE

Immediately after Abe’s death, South Korea’s consulate in the Japanese city of Fukuoka posted a Twitter alert telling Koreans to be on guard against possible hate crimes. However, it quickly removed the notice following online protests from Japanese who complained the office was viewing them as potential criminals, according to the Chosun Ilbo in Seoul.

The Japan branch of the Unification Church, also known as the Family Federation for World Peace and Unification, confirmed on Monday that the mother of the suspect in Abe’s killing was a member.

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