A controversial South Korean church with powerful political connections faces dissolution in Japan after a Tokyo court ordered a revocation of its legal status after the government accused it of manipulative fundraising and recruitment tactics that sowed fear among followers and harmed their families.

The controversial "Moonies" church that fell under scrutiny after the 2022 assassination of former Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe is to be disbanded in Japan. The Tokyo district court made the decision Tuesday after a recommendation from Japan's education and culture ministry,

Japan’s official cherry blossom spotters on Monday confirmed the first blooming of the country’s favorite flower, declaring the official start of the festive season in the Japanese capital.

The Japan Meteorological Agency officially announced the start of the cherry blossom season in the country’s capital on Monday (March 24) after observing a benchmark tree at Yasukuni Shrine. The announcement this year came five days earlier than last year.