Which religious groups were most successful in raising funds for earthquake victims in the devastated parts of Tohoku? In its Golden Week double issue, Flash (May 8-15) ran an article about the heretofore unreported nexus between last year's disaster and religion. The most generous donor by far, which mustered some 20,000 volunteers over 130 days — approaching the Self-Defense Forces in equipment and speed — was the 40-year-old "Hinokishin Brigade" of the Tenrikyo Sect, which also donated some ¥920 million. This was followed by Soka Gakkai and Rissho Koseikai each donating over ¥500 million; Seicho no Ie (¥250 million); the Unification Church (¥160 million); the Science of Happiness (¥61 million); and various Buddhist charities (¥340 million).

While not going into specifics, Flash also acknowledged the good works performed by Christian groups, 42 of which are said to have aided in the Tohoku recovery. "In addition to the evacuation centers, churches both in Japan and abroad functioned as bases for the collection and distribution of materials," says Kazuyoshi Takahashi, director of an NPO that coordinated their efforts. "A small minority may have engaged in coercive attempts to gain converts or to proselytize. It may be stating the obvious, but for the disaster victims, religious affiliation was one of the most important things."

Not to be outdone, Shukan Post (May 4-11) ran a series of six articles totaling 17 pages under the headline, "A complete dissection: Japan's religions' 'money' and 'power.' " One of the articles suggests that political bigwig Ichiro Ozawa might be inclined to use his influence to push for elimination of religious groups' tax-exempt status, a move that could add as much as ¥4 trillion to the government's coffers annually. The justification for this is made evident from another article, which purports to expose the "side businesses" operated by large religious groups, which are said to include schools, hospitals, cemeteries, golf courses and — bless their hearts — love hotels. A sidebar item mentions the "black market" for purchasing a "dormant religious group" (i.e., one still recognized by the government although not engaged in any activities), the going rate for which is said to be ¥100 million.