Hundreds to Rally at Japanese Embassy in Support of Family Federation Japan

Demonstration calls for protection of religious liberty after dissolution of churches in Japan

Mar. 16, 2026 at 6:15pm

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Members of the Family Federation and supporters will gather outside the Japanese Embassy in Washington, DC on Thursday, March 19 at 12:00 PM to call attention to the dissolution of the Family Federation for World Peace and Unification in Japan, resulting in the closure of 400 churches and offices across the country. Organizers say the demonstration will serve as a peaceful appeal for the protection of religious liberty and the dignity of the members of the Family Federation.

Why it matters

This rally highlights the growing concerns over religious freedom and the rights of minority faith groups, especially as the Japanese government has taken actions to dissolve the Family Federation, a religious organization with a global presence. The event also comes at a significant diplomatic moment as Japanese leadership visits Washington, providing an opportunity to raise awareness and encourage dialogue.

The details

The Family Federation says the Japanese government has dissolved their organization, forcing the closure of 400 churches and offices across the country. Congregations that had existed for decades were forced to shut their doors, and thousands of members were asked to leave sanctuaries where they had prayed, gathered, and raised their families in faith. Organizers say the demonstration in Washington will serve as a peaceful appeal for the protection of religious liberty and the dignity of the members of the Family Federation.

  • The rally will take place on Thursday, March 19, 2026 at 12:00 PM.
  • The event comes as Japanese leadership visits Washington this week.

The players

Family Federation for World Peace and Unification

A religious organization with a global presence that has had its operations in Japan dissolved by the government, resulting in the closure of 400 churches and offices across the country.

Japanese Government

The government that has taken actions to dissolve the Family Federation in Japan, leading to the closure of hundreds of churches and the displacement of thousands of members.

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What’s next

The rally organizers hope that the peaceful demonstration will raise awareness and encourage dialogue about the protection of religious freedom, especially as Japanese leadership visits Washington this week.

The takeaway

This event highlights the growing global tensions around religious freedom and the rights of minority faith groups, as the Japanese government's actions to dissolve the Family Federation have led to the displacement of thousands of members and the closure of hundreds of churches. The rally in Washington aims to stand in solidarity with the affected communities in Japan and advocate for the protection of religious liberty worldwide.