NHK



 

The head of a religious group in Japan formerly known as the Unification Church has announced his resignation. The group is facing a court order to disband as it has been accused of collecting large donations and causing other problems.

Tanaka Tomihiro, the leader of the Family Federation for World Peace and Unification in Japan, held a news conference at its headquarters in Tokyo on Tuesday.

Tanaka said the group must not underestimate the deep psychological pain it has caused to some people. He said he takes the matter seriously and decided to resign as a step to restore the trust of society. He offered an apology.

As a reason for his resignation, Tanaka cited a development in court examinations over the order to disband.

He also said an environment has been created to hand down the task to the next generation as efforts to improve its governance have stabilized.
Tanaka revealed that former vice head Hori Masaichi will assume the top position.

The group said Hori will be the first leader from second-generation followers.

The Tokyo High Court may reach a decision by the end of March over the lower court disbandment order. The procedure will then begin if the high court backs the order.