Image Credits: Los Angeles Times
Prime Minister Fumio Kishida addressed ongoing concerns about the Liberal Democratic Party’s (LDP) historical ties with the former Unification Church amid new allegations. Reports suggest that former Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, alongside other senior officials, met with top Unification Church members shortly before the 2013 House of Councillors election. Kishida reiterated that Japan’s relationship with the sect has been thoroughly explained in previous Diet sessions and declined to offer additional comments.
According to an Asahi Shimbun report, meetings between Abe, then-Policy Research Council Chairman Fumio Hagiuda, former Defense Minister Nobuo Kishi, and the Unification Church’s leadership occurred in the LDP’s President’s Room in late June 2013. In response to inquiries about these claims, Kishida affirmed that his prior statements on the issue remain unchanged, asserting that no new information warrants further discussion at this time.
The allegations have prompted scrutiny from opposition leaders. Constitutional Democratic Party (CDP) leader Kenta Izumi criticized the LDP’s stance, arguing that the recent revelations of high-level meetings and photographs suggest a deeper relationship with the Unification Church than previously acknowledged. He called for all LDP presidential candidates to disclose their connections to the church and clarify any support received during elections.
CDP Secretary-General Katsuya Okada echoed these sentiments, demanding accountability from the LDP. He challenged the party’s denial of organizational ties, citing photographic evidence as proof of a deeper connection and calling for a transparent investigation into the use of church influence in elections.
Communist Party Secretary-General Koike also weighed in, insisting on a full reinvestigation of the LDP’s ties with the church. He emphasized that the newly uncovered evidence necessitates a thorough review and accountability from both the party and its presidential candidates.
Democratic Party for the People leader Yuichiro Tamaki added that a clear and comprehensive explanation is needed before any action, such as dissolving the House of Representatives, can be considered. He stressed the importance of a thorough investigation and transparency regarding any discrepancies with prior official statements.
The controversy surrounding the LDP’s historical connections to the Unification Church continues to fuel political debate, underscoring the need for clarity and accountability from Japan’s ruling party.