The Shocking Revelations of Masumi Fukuda's 'Victims of the State': A Truth Unveiled

On November 22, 2025, Asuka Shinsha will release 'Victims of the State,' a book that has quickly garnered attention with its fifth reprint. Authored by Masumi Fukuda, a non-fiction writer who previously won the 6th Shincho Documentary Award for her investigative work on the so-called 'Murder Teacher' incident in Fukuoka, this latest book investigates the troubling truths surrounding the Unification Church during a monumental period of over 1,200 days of research.

Fukuda’s work exposes the state-sponsored fabrications perpetuated by government and judicial authorities, shedding light on incidents that have largely remained hidden from public view. The book has not only become a bestseller in physical bookstores across Japan but has also topped online sales rankings.

A Testament to Perseverance

Despite facing considerable backlash and defamation, Fukuda continued her investigative work, determined to reveal the disturbing truths that ordinary citizens have remained oblivious to. In her own words, she stated, “I discovered numerous astonishing events and cases that media outlets have entirely ignored. As I delved deeper, some of the truths I uncovered drastically challenged our previously accepted norms. I was astounded by these hidden realities.”

Public Reception

'Victims of the State' has received an overwhelmingly positive response, resonating particularly with readers who approach it without preconceived notions. It delves into the very core of the state’s power and questions fundamental societal structures. Reviews highlight its capacity to shine a light on complex issues that are pertinent to contemporary discussions on human rights and state overreach.

1. Foreword: A Nation Where Terrorists’ Wishes Come True
2. Chapter One: The Worst Human Rights Violations Post-War - Abduction and Detention
3. Chapter Two: The True Nature of the National Bar Association
4. Chapter Three: The Mysterious Man - Apostasy Contractors
5. Chapter Four: Sayuri Ogawa
6. Chapter Five: Current Second-Generation Followers Speak Out
7. Chapter Six: 'If It’s a Cult, We Lose'
8. Chapter Seven: Fear-Induced Misbeliefs - A Mountain of Unjust Convictions
9. Chapter Eight: The Ministry of Education’s Censorship
10. Chapter Nine: Requests for Dissolution - Insights from Major Donors
11. Chapter Ten: The Truth Behind Case of the Written Agreement - 'The Tyrannical Eldest Daughter'
12. Chapter Eleven: A Made-Up Crime Engineered by the Public Security Bureau - The Shinseij Incident
13. Chapter Twelve: A Made-Up Crime Engineered by the Public Security Bureau - The Stalking Regulation Violation Incident
14. Chapter Thirteen: The Seijo Church Relocation Controversy - Who is the Nuisance Group?
15. Chapter Fourteen: The Crimes of the Ministry of Education - Fabrication of Testimonies
16. Chapter Fifteen: The Request for Dissolution - A State-Sponsored Trial
17. Special Features:
- A History of Abduction
- Voices of Survivors
- The Legal Struggles of Tetsu Goto
- Warnings from the International Community
18. Afterword
19. References

About the Author

Masumi Fukuda, born in 1956 in Yokohama, has transitioned from journalism to becoming a freelance non-fiction writer. With a focus on crime, Russia, and wrongful accusations in schools, she continues to explore and document complex issues. Her body of work includes notable titles such as 'The Portrait of the Stalin Family,' 'The Assassination State of Russia,' and 'Monster Mother'. In 2007, she won the Shincho Documentary Award for her investigation into the Fukuoka incident, leading to a film adaptation in 2025. Furthermore, she received the 2024 Wilbur Award for her exceptional articles on religion.