The following information indicates that although the original local bishop "approved" the events at Akita, this is not the stance taken by Rome.

A copy of a letter to the editor of the British Catholic magazine, "Christian Order," from the Apostolic Nuncio in Tokyo, Ambrose de Paoli, sent in late 1999, was published in the magazine, and in it he makes the following statement:

"The Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith has asked me to respond to your query re: Akita. I enclose a copy of the statement which the Bishop of Niigata sends to overseas bishops who seek information about Akita.

"The Holy See has never given any kind of approval to either the events or messages of Akita."

Thus Akita is definitely not approved by Rome, and it seems correct to put it into the "unapproved" category.