This page explains the jurisdiction of religious corporations in Japan. It also provides a list of the supervisory departments (Religious Corporation Administrative Sections) responsible for handling these matters.

Differences in Jurisdiction

Religious corporations fall under two possible jurisdictions:

• The Minister of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology (Agency for Cultural Affairs)
• The Governor of the Prefecture (Prefectural Government)

The distinction depends on whether the corporation maintains temple or shrine buildings in other prefectures.

• If a religious corporation has buildings in other prefectures, jurisdiction lies with the Minister of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology.
• If it does not, jurisdiction lies with the Governor of the Prefecture.

Changes in Jurisdiction

Can the jurisdiction of a religious corporation change? Yes.

• For example, if a corporation newly establishes buildings in another prefecture, it must notify the Minister of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology through the prefectural governor.
• Conversely, if for some reason the corporation no longer maintains any buildings outside its prefecture, jurisdiction shifts to the prefectural governor, and the corporation must likewise notify the Minister.