Vol. I · Saturday, October 17, 2026 RSS  ·  Search  ·  About

News and primary-source research on the Watchtower organization

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JapanReported

Jehovah's Witnesses' Japanese corporation and member families sued the state over 2022 guidelines on religion-related child abuse

Illustration: an open government circular beside a tied case file on a bare courtroom table before a closed paper screen

The suit in the Tokyo District Court, filed in March 2025 and reported by Jiji Press in April 2026, argues that a health-ministry Q&A listing a parent's refusal of a blood transfusion a doctor judges necessary as neglect is unconstitutional, and asks for the guidelines to be set aside, with ¥2 million in damages per person. The state was contesting the claims, according to April 2026 reports; three advocacy groups for people raised in religious households criticised the suit.

JapanReported

Okinawa Prefecture asks court to reject Jehovah's Witnesses' suit over refused treatment

Illustration: an unsigned form and pen on a hospital reception counter before a closed door, with a small ferry pier and open water beyond

Five Jehovah's Witnesses say two prefectural hospitals refused to treat them unless they signed a blood-transfusion consent form, and are suing Okinawa Prefecture for about ¥16.74 million. Ryukyu Shimpo reported on 17 September 2026 that at the first hearing at the Naha District Court the prefecture asked for the claims to be rejected. The allegations are unproven.