Japan's welfare ministry says it will investigate adoptions arranged by the religious group formerly known as the Unification Church, following allegations that they may be illegal.

The group, now called the Family Federation for World Peace and Unification, recommends adoptions from families of members with multiple children to those with none. The group says it has arranged 745 such adoptions since 1981.

Some group members' children have consulted lawyers, saying they are troubled about having been adopted based on the group's teachings.

Experts say the group's unauthorized practice may violate the law on mediating adoption.

The welfare ministry says it will start its investigation as soon as this week in cooperation with local governments. It also says it plans to first look into the matter with the Tokyo Metropolitan Government, as the group's head office is in the capital.

The group says it will deal with the probe sincerely. It also says its adoption program differs in nature from those of private-sector entities, and that it never accepts financial rewards.

The group adds that for those reasons, it does not go to the trouble of getting a license as a private organization to arrange adoptions.

Source: https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20221116_33/