The Tokyo metropolitan government on Wednesday turned down an application for nonprofit organization ( NPO) status by the Japanese branch of China's outlawed Falun Gong cult, the Kyodo news agency reported.

"There is doubt over its assertion that it does not chiefly aim at religious activities," Kyodo quoted a metropolitan official as explaining.

"It is hard to conclude definitely that it is a religion. It seems to depend fully on its founder's thoughts, while its doctrines include something supernatural -- such as healing diseases with 'qigong' breathing techniques," said the official. The metropolitan government rejected the application not only because of doubt about the group's religiousness, but also because it says it will allow only those who recognize and love the Falun Gong practice to enter the group, metropolitan officials were quoted as saying.

Another reason for the rejection is that since the group's balance sheet shows no income or expenditure, it is thought to be unable to engage in any activities, said the officials. The group's application was filed to the metropolitan government last November.

Only several applications for NPO status have been rejected in Japan since a law allowing prefectural governments to give groups such a status came into force in December 1998.

Under the law, a group cannot obtain NPO status if it chiefly aims at religious or political activities, or if it puts unfair conditions on participation in the group.

If an NPO status is given, a group can register as a legal body, making it easier to rent an office or open bank accounts, Kyodo said.