Japanese Govt. Draws Up Plan to Support Victims of Former Unification Church

TOKYO, Jan 19 (NHK) - Japan's government has drawn up measures to provide legal and other support for the victims of the religious group previously known as the Unification Church.

The government on Friday held its first meeting of relevant ministers to discuss support for the victims of the group, which is accused of soliciting significant donations from its members.

The measures announced at the meeting include strengthening a system, to be run mainly by the Japan Legal Support Center, of providing consultation for the victims.

The plan also includes having former members of the religious group who know well the suffering of the victims serve as instructors at workshops for counselors.

To encourage the children of group members and young people to seek consultation, the measures include bringing in more school counselors.

Securing accommodations for victims with economic difficulties and providing support in finding jobs and entering schools are also on the agenda.

Chief Cabinet Secretary Hayashi Yoshimasa said the government drew up the plan while considering the suffering of the victims.

Hayashi urged relevant ministries and agencies to closely coordinate their efforts in advancing the measures.

Last year, Japan's Diet enacted a law aimed at providing relief for such victims, and the government asked a court to issue an order to dissolve the group.

Source: ANNnewsCH

What Is Sanaenomics?

The economic policy bannered by Prime Minister Takaichi as “Sanaenomics” is beginning to take shape, with expectations centering on lower gasoline prices and the restart of electricity and gas subsidies even as critics say the program’s substance remains unclear and insufficiently developed; framed as a successor to Abenomics with greater emphasis on growth strategy, the plan raises questions about what will change in people’s daily lives and how the administration intends to run policy behind the scenes.

Typhoon No. 26 Forming, May Impact Japan

As of 3 p.m. on November 5th, a tropical depression over the sea near the Caroline Islands was slowly moving northward, with the Japan Meteorological Agency forecasting that it would develop into a typhoon within the next 24 hours. Once it forms, it will be designated as Typhoon No. 26.

Morning-After Pill to Be Sold Over the Counter by Year-End

Emergency contraceptive pills, used to prevent unintended pregnancies, are set to become available over the counter in Japan as early as by the end of this fiscal year, marking a major shift after nearly a decade of debate.

Crimes by U.S. Military Personnel Hit Record High in Okinawa

The number of U.S. military personnel arrested for criminal offenses in Okinawa has reached 77 so far this year, already surpassing the record total for all of 2024 as of the end of September.

Japan to Tighten Visa Rules on Foreigners Behind on Health Insurance

The Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare plans to introduce a new system starting in June 2027 that will, in principle, deny changes or renewals of residence status for foreign residents who fail to pay their national health insurance premiums despite repeated requests for payment.

MEDIA CHANNELS

MORE Politics NEWS

Takaichi Apologizes Over Political Funds Scandal

Prime Minister Takaichi began her responses in the House of Councillors on November 5th with an apology over political funds issues, as parliamentary questioning continued following her policy speech.

Japan to Tighten Visa Rules on Foreigners Behind on Health Insurance

China Extends Visa-Free Entry for Japan

China’s Foreign Ministry announced that it will extend visa-free entry for Japan, France, and 43 other countries until the end of December 2026, as the government seeks to attract more overseas investment and tourists amid a prolonged economic slowdown.

Singapore and Japan Deepen Ties for ASEAN Prosperity

As the new Prime Minister, Sanae Takaichi, begins her term, many countries are sending in facilitation letters and also pledging their commitment to mutually beneficial ties.

Japan Faces Legal Hurdles in Deploying Military for Bear Control

Japan’s worsening bear problem has prompted calls for national intervention, but legal and operational barriers have complicated the government’s response. In 2025, bear attacks have reached record levels, leaving 12 people dead—double the previous high of six fatalities in 2023.

LDP and Ishin Launch Weekly Policy Talks on Regional Revitalization

The Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) and the Japan Innovation Party (Ishin) confirmed during a meeting in Tokyo that they will establish a new council this week composed of each party’s policy chiefs to deepen cooperation on policy matters.

Trump’s Defeat by the Nobel Prize: What Was He Really Thinking?

As expected, the previously outspoken U.S. President Donald Trump did not win the 2025 Nobel Peace Prize. However, he was forced to put on a brave face—Venezuela’s María Machado was the recipient.

Takaichi and Xi Hold 10-Second Handshake

Japanese Prime Minister Takaichi and Chinese President Xi Jinping stood side by side before the cameras on October 31st at 5 p.m. for a moment that drew intense attention. “Hello, please this way,” said Xi as the two leaders exchanged a handshake lasting roughly 10 seconds in front of their national flags. Takaichi’s expression was stiff at first but softened slightly into a faint smile, while Xi’s face remained largely unchanged.

< 2 3 4 5 >