Forced participation in religious activities to be classified as child abuse in Japan


The controversial Unification Church came to attention this year after former prime minister Shinzo Abe was fatally shot by a man with longstanding grudges against the religious group. - Reuters

TOKYO (The Japan News/Asia News Network): New health ministry guidelines in Japan will classify as abuse any acts by members of religious groups that threaten or force their children to participate in religious activities, or that hinder a child’s career path based on religious doctrine.

According to unnamed sources cited by Japanese daily Yomiuri Shimbun, the Health, Labour, and Welfare Ministry is preparing its first draft of guidelines to help local governments deal with issues of child abuse that have emerged in connection with religious groups such as the Unification Church, officially known as the Family Federation for World Peace and Unification.

Get 30% off with our ads free Premium Plan!

Monthly Plan

RM13.90/month
RM9.73 only

Billed as RM9.73 for the 1st month then RM13.90 thereafters.

Annual Plan

RM12.33/month
RM8.63/month

Billed as RM103.60 for the 1st year then RM148 thereafters.

1 month

Free Trial

For new subscribers only


Cancel anytime. No ads. Auto-renewal. Unlimited access to the web and app. Personalised features. Members rewards.
Follow us on our official WhatsApp channel for breaking news alerts and key updates!
Japan , religion , abuse , children

Next In Aseanplus News

Asean News Headlines at 10pm on Tuesday (Feb 18, 2025)
Teen Carousell scammer in Singapore admits to cheating offences, impregnating underage girl
Singapore to fork out billions for Changi airport upgrades
India's Gauhati High Court grants interim bail to YouTuber Ashish Chanchlani in obscenity case
Scandal-hit Bangkok MP denies sexual assault allegations against Taiwanese tourist
Part-time training allowance, corporate income tax rebate: Singapore's Budget 2025 help for workers and firms
Singapore's Budget 2025 to see 9.6% rise in expenditure
Wishing we last Pho-ever: Eatery owner in Vietnam goes viral as Faye Wong lookalike
Philippines reports foreign cyber intrusions targeting intelligence data, but no breaches
HK actor Louis Koo shocked as fan appears to kiss him on the cheek without permission

Others Also Read