ICSA Annual International Conference 
Manipulation and Victimization 


Montréal, Canada
July 5-7, 2012 /5 au 7 juillet 2012


Abstract



A new and unique attempt by The Almost Daily Cult Newspaper (Daily Cult News) of journalism concerning cults, religion, and spirituality The Almost Daily Cult Newspaper (Daily Cult News) is a news blog officially recognized as news media by Google News, which specializes in the issues of social problems concerning cults, religion, and spirituality. This publication was founded on Oct 1st, 2009, by Yoshiro Fujikura, a Japanese journalist who has zealously provided much coverage in this field. There are nine correspondents including Fujikura, all of whom are volunteers. Not all of the groups or individuals covered by the Daily Cult News are necessarily considered cults, because this paper handles all topics concerning the friction between religion, spirituality, and society. The Daily Cult News believes that wit, humor, and sarcasm, in addition to earnest coverage leveled at issues often passed over by conventional media, will help to foster and refine “cult-watch culture” among “Netizens.” One such attempt was the conferment of the “gluttony demonstration.” In September, 2011, the members of Unification Church were protesting against the article in the magazine Weekly Bunshun about fasting, so the members of the Almost Daily Cult Newspaper indulged in gluttony in front of the protesting fasters, saying, “Stop fasting!” After our protests, the UC placed Yoshiro Fujikura and Eito Suzuki on their “Wanted List” and distributed the list amongst their branch organizations. Also, Fujikura’s house was searched and raided by the police because a cultic group filed a charge that the Daily Cult News had infringed on their copyright. Although the nature of the topic attracts criticism and occasional pressure, the Daily Cult News continues to make a stand for free speech in the areas concerning cults, religion, and spirituality.
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