A photo of Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida and the head of a related organization of the Family Federation for World Peace and Unification (Unification Church) during a meeting with former US House of Representatives Speaker Newt Gingrich in 2019 was released on the 7th.
The Asahi Shimbun acknowledged that it received the photo from former U.S. House of Representatives Speaker Newt Gingrich, and that the chairman of the Unification Church-related organization, the Universal Peace Federation (UPF), was present. He claimed, “UPF Japan prepared (the meeting with Prime Minister Kishida).”
UPF (Universal Peace Federation) is an organization created by Sun Myung Moon and his wife, President Hak Ja Han, who founded the Unification Church. UPF International is an organization with branches in approximately 150 locations around the world. Former Chairman Gingrich is known to have a close relationship with the UPF, including giving a speech at a large rally event.
In October 2019, when the meeting with the UPF Chairman took place, Prime Minister Kishida was serving as Chairman of the Liberal Democratic Party’s Jeongjo Chairman at the time. Former Chairman Gingrich said that Masayoshi Kajikuri, chairman of UPF Japan, and Michael Jenkins, former president of the American denomination and chairman of UPF International, were also present at the meeting and had conversations with Prime Minister Kishida.
Regarding the meeting, Prime Minister Kishida said, “We met because former Chairman Gingrich requested that he pay his respects,” but Asahi pointed out, “There is a possibility that the church brokered a meeting with a leading Japanese politician.”
UPF Japan told the Asahi Shimbun on the 6th, “We originally tried to coordinate a meeting between then-Prime Minister Abe (Shinzo) and Mr. Gingrich,” and added, “Because we could not make time, then-Prime Minister Abe arranged a meeting with then-Chairman Jeong Jo Kishida.” “I understood it,” he replied.
At the Liberal Democratic Party headquarters in Tokyo, then-LDP Chairman Jeongjo Fumio Kishida (left) and UPF International Chairman Michael Jenkins are shaking hands. Source: Asahi Shimbun. Provided by Newt Gingrich, former Speaker of the U.S. House of Representatives. 2019.10.04 Filmed versionAccording to several officials in the Kishida administration, the meeting was said to have been requested by former Prime Minister Abe, and the meeting between former Prime Minister Abe and former Chairman Gingrich was arranged with the UPF intervening. However, given former Prime Minister Abe’s circumstances, it is possible that Prime Minister Kishida responded on his behalf.
Previously, Prime Minister Kishida said, “I don’t know” whether UPF Chairman Kajikuri was present at the time of the meeting, and “I don’t remember whether we exchanged business cards at all.”
However, former Chairman Gingrich acknowledged the presence of Chairman Kajikuri and Chairman Jenkins and said, “We exchanged business cards first.” “And then we talked,” he explained. As evidence, he provided photos showing them shaking hands and exchanging business cards.
Prime Minister Kishida’s office released a brief statement saying, “They said they did not know who was accompanying him and that was all.” Prime Minister Kishida also said at a press conference, “I don’t know about each and every one of my many companions. “I don’t even remember exchanging business cards,” he said again.
Asahi pointed out that the difference between Prime Minister Kishida, who repeatedly said “I don’t know” about his fellow attendees, and (former Chairman Gingrich’s remarks) has become more significant.
In the meantime, Prime Minister Kishida has demanded a thorough inspection and explanation whenever cases of collusion between Japanese politics and the Unification Church come to light. A cabinet member whose photo with a church official was circulated was actually fired when he repeatedly changed his explanation.
On the 5th, Prime Minister Kishida was asked whether he had also confirmed with former Chairman Gingrich regarding the suspicions regarding the meeting, and he replied, “I confirmed this with everyone involved during the meeting,” but gave a contradictory answer to former Chairman Gingrich, saying, “I did not confirm.” I put it out.
Source: Donga
Mark Jones is a world traveler and journalist for News Rebeat. With a curious mind and a love of adventure, Mark brings a unique perspective to the latest global events and provides in-depth and thought-provoking coverage of the world at large.