Photo/Illutration Officials from the Justice Ministry, the National Police Agency and the Consumer Affairs Agency respond to the hotline calls in Tokyo on Sept. 5. (Kosuke Tauchi)

A government hotline to help people who experienced problems with the Unification Church was flooded with callers in the first five days through Sept. 9.

Justice Minister Yasuhiro Hanashi said at a news conference after the Cabinet meeting on Sept. 13 that 1,002 calls were taken by the hotline in the first five days since its launch.

The Unification Church, now formally called the Family Federation for World Peace and Unification, has sparked controversy since former Prime Minister Shinzo Abe was assassinated in July.

The alleged gunman is believed to have harbored a grudge against the church over his mother’s financial contributions to it and targeted Abe over his ties to the organization.

The government launched a telephone consultation service on Sept. 5 to help financial and other victims of the Unification Church after coordination was made among the Justice Ministry and other agencies.

Many of the consultations were related to financial troubles. Some callers contacted the hotline, saying, “I fell into poverty” and others sought advice, saying, “I have a relative who is a believer. What should I do?”

Hanashi said the ministry will consider showing the public how to handle problems with the religious group after selecting and citing typical consultations.

“We will create an environment where people can more easily seek advice,” he said.

Officials from the Justice Ministry, the National Police Agency and the Consumer Affairs Agency are responding to the hotline calls.

They introduce professional consultation entities, including the police and consumer affairs centers, if necessary.

The government hopes to help people experiencing problems with the Unification Church by working with the Japan Federation of Bar Associations.

The service is available on weekdays through Sept. 30.

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