The following article was published in Segye Times, a nationally distributed newspaper in Korea on March 21, 2011.

The donation of $1.7 million by Rev. Sun Myung Moon on March 20 for relief of Japanese earthquake victims reflected his deep love for Japan.

“Rev. Moon is heartbroken that Japanese citizens are going through tremendous suffering as a result of the recent earthquake,” said Rev. Hyung Jin Moon, the international president of the Unification Church who visited the Japan Red Cross office to convey the donation on behalf of the 91-year-old Rev. Sun Myung Moon.

“We are making this contribution today following the instruction of Rev. Sun Myung Moon to comfort and encourage the people of Japan, particularly the earthquake victims,” Rev. Hyung Jin Moon said.
Rev. Sun Myung Moon lived in Japan as a student during the period Japan occupied Korea as its colony. Rev. Moon was tortured severely by Japanese police following an arrest on suspicion of his participation in the Korean independence movement.

Earlier, on March 19, Rev. Hyung Jin Moon visited an area in Aomori Prefecture that had suffered damage from the earthquake and tsunami and met with victims and their families.
On March 20, prior to visiting the Red Cross, Rev. Hyung Jin Moon visited the Headquarters of the Japan Unification Church to offer prayers for Japan’s quick recovery from the earthquake damage. He also pledged to provide support to victims.

Meanwhile, at the Unification Church World Headquarters Church (Cheon Bok Gung) in Yongsan, South Korea, members are praying at 5 a.m., 12 noon and 7:30 p.m. for the victims of the Japan earthquake and for Japan’s quick recovery.

Contributed by Shin Dong Ju in Seoul and Kim Dong Jin in Tokyo
Segye Times staff reporters
Translated by Tongil Foundation.