Eiko Kano (狩野 英孝, Kano Eikō; born 22 February 1982) is a Japanese comedian, singer, YouTuber, and kannushi (Shinto…Eiko Kano (狩野 英孝, Kano Eikō; born 22 February 1982) is a Japanese comedian, singer, YouTuber, and kannushi (Shinto clergy) from Kurikoma (now Kurihara), Kurihara District, Miyagi. He is nicknamed Eiko-chan (英孝ちゃん, Eikō-chan) and Kati (カティ). As a lyricist and composer of 50TA, he is nicknamed Shinya Sakurada (桜田 神邪, Sakurada Shin'ya). He graduated from the Japan Institute of the Moving Image. He completed his kannushi training in Kokugakuin University. He was a former kyūdōka (archer) at the National Sports Festival of Japan.
Shigenori Omori (大森 重宜, Ōmori Shigenori; born 9 July 1960) is a Japanese sprinter. He competed in the men's 4 × 400…Shigenori Omori (大森 重宜, Ōmori Shigenori; born 9 July 1960) is a Japanese sprinter. He competed in the men's 4 × 400 metres relay at the 1984 Summer Olympics. Omori finished third behind James King in the 400 metres hurdles event at the British 1982 AAA Championships.
Nakayama Zenji (中山 善司, January 16, 1959) is the fourth and current Shinbashira of Tenrikyo. He has held the office…Nakayama Zenji (中山 善司, January 16, 1959) is the fourth and current Shinbashira of Tenrikyo. He has held the office since October 25, 1998.
Yoshinobu Miyake (jp:三宅善信 Miyake Yoshinobu, born July 27, 1958) is a Japanese Shinto priest and scholar. Rev. Miyake…Yoshinobu Miyake (jp:三宅善信 Miyake Yoshinobu, born July 27, 1958) is a Japanese Shinto priest and scholar. Rev. Miyake was appointed the Superior General of Konko Church of Izuo in 2006 and appointed chair of the Board of International Shinto Studies Association in 2013.
Ryuho Okawa (大川 隆法; Ōkawa Ryūhō; born Takashi Nakagawa (中川 隆; Nakagawa Takashi), 7 July 1956 – 2 March 2023) was a…Ryuho Okawa (大川 隆法; Ōkawa Ryūhō; born Takashi Nakagawa (中川 隆; Nakagawa Takashi), 7 July 1956 – 2 March 2023) was a Japanese religious and political leader who was the CEO and founder of the Happy Science and the Happiness Realization Party. He was also an author and chairman of two companies affiliated with the organization, New Star Production and ARI Production. His organization has been widely criticised as a cult. Adherents of the religion worship Okawa, who claimed to be the current incarnation of a god called "El Cantare" and a number of other beings, including Hermes and Gautama Buddha.
Hirokazu Shiba (芝 博一, Shiba Hirokazu; 21 April 1950 – 15 November 2025) was a Japanese politician of the Democratic…Hirokazu Shiba (芝 博一, Shiba Hirokazu; 21 April 1950 – 15 November 2025) was a Japanese politician of the Democratic Party of Japan, who was a member of the House of Councillors in the Diet, the country's national legislature.
Hiroyasu Koga (Japanese: 古賀浩靖 Koga Hiroyasu, born 15 August 1947) is a former Tatenokai member and kaishakunin…Hiroyasu Koga (Japanese: 古賀浩靖 Koga Hiroyasu, born 15 August 1947) is a former Tatenokai member and kaishakunin responsible for the decapitations of Yukio Mishima and Masakatsu Morita during their seppuku on November 25, 1970. He studied law at Kanagawa University and intended to become a lawyer. Koga, known by the nickname Furu-Koga (distinguishing him from another Tatenokai member named Masayoshi Koga who was in turn nicknamed Chibi-Koga, 小賀), was a skilled practitioner of kendo (swordsmanship). It was originally planned that Mishima would be decapitated by Masakatsu Morita, the Tatenokai's student leader; however, Morita was not trained in the sword and failed, at which point Koga stepped in to complete it. Koga then decapitated Morita as part of Morita's own seppuku. Koga and two other participating Tatenokai members (Masayoshi Koga and Masahiro Ogawa) went on trial on March 24, 1971, facing charges of bodily injury, violence, illegal possession of firearms and swords, and assisting a suicide. They were convicted and sentenced to four years' penal servitude, and were released in 1974, a few months early. As of 2005, it was believed that he was a practising Shinto priest at a shrine on Shikoku. However, an alternative belief is that he never became a Shinto priest, instead becoming the head of the Hokkaido branch of Seicho-no-Ie and was renamed Hiroyasu Arechi. It is further posited that he now resides in Kumamoto.
Mitsuo Matayoshi (又吉 光雄, Matayoshi Mitsuo; February 5, 1944 – July 20, 2018), also known as Jesus Matayoshi (又吉 イエス…Mitsuo Matayoshi (又吉 光雄, Matayoshi Mitsuo; February 5, 1944 – July 20, 2018), also known as Jesus Matayoshi (又吉 イエス, Matayoshi Iesu) or The Only God Matayoshi Jesus Christ (唯一神又吉光雄・イエス・キリスト, Yui'itsu-shin Matayoshi Mitsuo Iesu Kirisuto), was a Japanese political activist and perennial candidate. He was the leader and founder of the World Economic Community Party (Sekai Keizai Kyōdōtai-tō (世界経済共同体党)). He was born in Ginowan, Okinawa on February 5, 1944. After graduating from Chuo University in Tokyo in 1968, he moved back to Okinawa and ran a juku, a private school. Matayoshi was trained as a Protestant preacher, and through his religious studies developed a particular concept of Christianity strongly influenced by eschatology. In 1997, he established the World Economic Community Party, a political party based on his conviction that he was God. His concept was both religious and political, a mix of Christian eschatology like Augustine's De civitate Dei ("City of God") and conservative collectivism. He died from kidney cancer on 20 July 2018 in Tokyo, aged 74.
Haruki Kadokawa (角川 春樹, Kadokawa Haruki; born January 8, 1942, in Tokyo) is a Japanese entrepreneur and filmmaker. He…Haruki Kadokawa (角川 春樹, Kadokawa Haruki; born January 8, 1942, in Tokyo) is a Japanese entrepreneur and filmmaker. He is the son of Genyoshi Kadokawa, the founder of the publishing company Kadokawa Shoten. He took over as president of the company in 1975 after his father's death. He entered the film industry as a producer and introduced a technique called media mix, which involved mass promotion and talent scouting for new artists in publishing, film, and television. In 1993, he was arrested for drug smuggling. He resigned as president of Kadokawa Shoten, founding Kadokawa Haruki Corporation instead.
Minoru Harada (原田 稔, Harada Minoru; born 8 November 1941) is a Japanese Buddhist leader. He is the sixth president of…Minoru Harada (原田 稔, Harada Minoru; born 8 November 1941) is a Japanese Buddhist leader. He is the sixth president of the Soka Gakkai from 9 November 2006. He is also the Supreme Advisor of Sōka University and the Acting President of Soka Gakkai International (SGI). In 1953, he became an adherent of Soka Gakkai (at the time was one of the several lay organizations of Nichiren Shoshu Buddhism). He attended Tokyo Metropolitan Bunkyo High School (now Tokyo Metropolitan Bunkyo Secondary Education School). He graduated from the University of Tokyo with a Bachelor of Economics degree. According to Soka Gakkai, he was a left-wing protester and a student activist, participating in the demonstration into the National Diet Building in the 1960s. He was the manager of the Student Division and the Youth Division of Soka Gakkai, and one of the Vice-Presidents of Soka Gakkai. In a 1976 interview, Harada provided views of Soka Gakkai which contrasted with traditional Nichiren ones; although the latter has typically seen natural disasters as arising when society refuses to adopt the "True Law", Soka Gakkai viewed such effects as being subtler, as in societal problems rather than the likes of earthquakes. He became the sixth President of Soka Gakkai on 9 November 2006 following the resignation of Einosuke Akiya. On 8 November 2014, Harada officially declared in the Seikyo Shimbun newspaper that the original tenets of the Soka Gakkai Constitution from 1930 have been revised and the Dai Gohonzon image that was once venerated within the organization is no longer its object of worship, further disassociating Soka Gakkai from the Nichiren Shoshu Buddhist sect.
Nichiko Niwano (庭野日鑛, Niwano Nichiko; born 1938) is the eldest son of Risshō Kōsei Kai founder Nikkyō Niwano, and the…Nichiko Niwano (庭野日鑛, Niwano Nichiko; born 1938) is the eldest son of Risshō Kōsei Kai founder Nikkyō Niwano, and the current President of Risshō Kōsei Kai.
Nakayama Zenye (中山 善衞, July 7, 1932 – June 24, 2014) was the third Shinbashira of Tenrikyo. He was the first son of…Nakayama Zenye (中山 善衞, July 7, 1932 – June 24, 2014) was the third Shinbashira of Tenrikyo. He was the first son of Nakayama Shōzen, the second Shinbashira, and the great-great-grandson of Nakayama Miki, the foundress of Tenrikyo. He held the office from November 14, 1967 until April 26, 1998.
Einosuke Akiya (秋谷 栄之助, Akiya Einosuke; born July 15, 1930) is a Japanese Buddhist leader. He was the fifth president…Einosuke Akiya (秋谷 栄之助, Akiya Einosuke; born July 15, 1930) is a Japanese Buddhist leader. He was the fifth president of Soka Gakkai from 18 July 1981 to 9 November 2006. After his resignation from that position, he became the chairman of the Supreme Leader Meeting of Soka Gakkai in November 2006. He also had responsibilities in many Soka Gakkai's satellites (supreme advisor of Sōka University, honorary director of Tokyo Fuji Art Museum, and president of Soka Gakkai International (SGI).
Reiji Oyama (January 15, 1927 – May 16, 2023) was a Japanese pastor, founder and chancellor of Tokyo Graduate School of…Reiji Oyama (January 15, 1927 – May 16, 2023) was a Japanese pastor, founder and chancellor of Tokyo Graduate School of Theology, translator of the Bible into Japanese, and author of over 160 books. He was the founding pastor of the Biblical Church, which now has twenty three branch churches.
Hiroshi Motoyama (本山 博, Motoyama Hiroshi; December 15, 1925 – September 19, 2015) was a Japanese parapsychologist…Hiroshi Motoyama (本山 博, Motoyama Hiroshi; December 15, 1925 – September 19, 2015) was a Japanese parapsychologist, spiritual instructor and author whose primary topic was spiritual self-cultivation and the relationship between the mind and body. Motoyama emphasized the meditative practices of Samkhya/Yoga, karma, reincarnation and Hindu theories of the chakras.
Hidemaro Watanabe (渡部 英麿, Watanabe Hidemaro; September 24, 1924 – October 12, 2011) was a Japanese football player. He…Hidemaro Watanabe (渡部 英麿, Watanabe Hidemaro; September 24, 1924 – October 12, 2011) was a Japanese football player. He played for Japan national team.
Kazuyoshi Kino (紀野一義, Kino Kazuyoshi; August 9, 1922 – December 28, 2013) was a Japanese Buddhist scholar. Together…Kazuyoshi Kino (紀野一義, Kino Kazuyoshi; August 9, 1922 – December 28, 2013) was a Japanese Buddhist scholar. Together with Hajime Nakamura and others, he translated the Heart Sutra, the Prajnaparamita sutras, and the three main sutras of the Jodo sect.
Doshin So (宗道臣, Sō Dōshin) (born Michiomi Nakano (中野道臣, Nakano Michiomi)), (1911–1980) was a Japanese soldier and…Doshin So (宗道臣, Sō Dōshin) (born Michiomi Nakano (中野道臣, Nakano Michiomi)), (1911–1980) was a Japanese soldier and martial artist. He is most known as the creator and founder of Shorinji Kempo and the doctrine Kongo Zen (金剛禅, Kongō Zen). Practitioners of Shorinji Kempo refer to him as Kaiso, Japanese for "the founder".
Kōji Harashima (原島 宏治, Harashima Kōji; 4 December 1909 – 9 December 1964) was a Japanese politician and religious…Kōji Harashima (原島 宏治, Harashima Kōji; 4 December 1909 – 9 December 1964) was a Japanese politician and religious leader who briefly served as the first leader of Komeito, in addition to a serving as a board chairman for Soka Gakkai. He served in several other capacities throughout his career as well.
Katakura Nobumitsu (片倉 信光; ? – ?) was a Japanese scholar of the early to mid 20th century. A direct descendant of the…Katakura Nobumitsu (片倉 信光; ? – ?) was a Japanese scholar of the early to mid 20th century. A direct descendant of the famed Katakura Kagetsuna, Nobumitsu was a scholar of regional history, focusing on Sendai. Nobumitsu would have been the sixteenth Katakura Kojūrō.
Shinjō Itō (伊藤真乗; March 28, 1906 – July 19, 1989) was the Japanese founder of Shinnyo-en, a Buddhist new religious…Shinjō Itō (伊藤真乗; March 28, 1906 – July 19, 1989) was the Japanese founder of Shinnyo-en, a Buddhist new religious group. He was born in Yamanashi Prefecture in Japan. After a career as an aeronautic engineer, he dedicated himself to a religious life. He trained at the Daigo-ji monastery and became a Dai-Ajari of Shingon Buddhism and later founded Shinnyo-en in 1936. In 1950, a high-ranking disciple who worked in the temple office filed formal charges against Itō. He claimed he had been beaten during one of the sesshin trainings. Itō maintained that he was only trying to suppress the disciple's physical convulsions during the session. Itō was arrested on 20 August 1950, and the trial for the case lasted until March 1956, when he was sentenced to seven months imprisonment and three years of probation. Besides his work as a Buddhist teacher, Itō is also known as a Buddhist sculptor and photographer. His works were featured in a Centennial Exhibition throughout Japan in 2006 and a major exhibit at the Milk Gallery in New York City in 2008. Other exhibitions include a solo exhibit at the Westwood Art Forum in Westwood, Los Angeles, California from May 8, 2008 – June 29, 2008.
Nakayama Shōzen (中山 正善, April 23, 1905 – November 14, 1967) was the second Shinbashira of Tenrikyo. He was the first…Nakayama Shōzen (中山 正善, April 23, 1905 – November 14, 1967) was the second Shinbashira of Tenrikyo. He was the first son of Nakayama Shinnosuke, the first Shinbashira, and the great-grandson of Nakayama Miki, the foundress of Tenrikyo. He was Shinbashira from 1915 to 1967.
Jikōson (璽光尊; 22 April 1903 – 1983/1984), born Naga Ōsawa (大沢 奈賀, Ōsawa Naga) and later known as Nagako Nagaoka (長岡 良子…Jikōson (璽光尊; 22 April 1903 – 1983/1984), born Naga Ōsawa (大沢 奈賀, Ōsawa Naga) and later known as Nagako Nagaoka (長岡 良子, Nagaoka Nagako), was a Japanese medium, spiritual healer and the leader of a new religion known as "Jiu". She claimed to be the representative of Amaterasu and the ruler of Japan. She was the first of several female leaders of Japanese new religions to attract public attention in the late 1940s.
Uchimaru Deguchi (出口宇知麿/出口宇知丸) (January 15, 1903 – May 6, 1973), also known as Isao Deguchi (出口伊佐男), was an assistant…Uchimaru Deguchi (出口宇知麿/出口宇知丸) (January 15, 1903 – May 6, 1973), also known as Isao Deguchi (出口伊佐男), was an assistant to the spiritual leader of the Japanese new religious organization Oomoto and its president. He was the adopted son of Onisaburo Deguchi, who was one of the founders of Oomoto.
Jōsei Toda (戸田 城聖, Toda Jōsei; 11 February 1900 – 2 April 1958) was a teacher, peace activist and second president of…Jōsei Toda (戸田 城聖, Toda Jōsei; 11 February 1900 – 2 April 1958) was a teacher, peace activist and second president of Soka Gakkai from 1951 to 1958. Imprisoned for two years during World War II under violating the Peace Preservation Law and the charge of lèse-majesté from against the war, he emerged from prison intent on rebuilding the Soka Gakkai. He has been described as the architect of the Soka Gakkai, the person chiefly responsible for its existence today. Toda was the disciple of Tsunesaburō Makiguchi and mentor of Daisaku Ikeda, respectively the first and third presidents of the Soka Gakkai. He used the term "human revolution" to embrace Makiguchi's thoughts on the pursuits of education and happiness in life as "inextricably connected in a lifelong journey toward continual self-development." Toda's leadership in building the Soka Gakkai is the theme of Ikeda's 12-volume roman à clef, "The Human Revolution" ("Ningen kakumei")
Kitamura Sayo (北村 サヨ; January 1, 1900 – December 28, 1967) was the Japanese founder of the "dancing religion", Tenshō…Kitamura Sayo (北村 サヨ; January 1, 1900 – December 28, 1967) was the Japanese founder of the "dancing religion", Tenshō Kōtai Jingūkyō (天照皇大神宮教). In the religion, she is known by her followers as Ogamisama (大神様, Ōgamisama). She was known for her pacifism and anti-militarism during the wake of Japan's World War II surrender.
Gordon Goichi Nakayama (Goichi Nakayama, 中山吾一, 16 November 1900 – 8 October 1995) was a Japanese Canadian Anglican…Gordon Goichi Nakayama (Goichi Nakayama, 中山吾一, 16 November 1900 – 8 October 1995) was a Japanese Canadian Anglican priest, author and pedophile. He was active in his ministry in Western Canada and the Pacific Rim (notably Okinawa, Southern Japan) for 62 years from 1932 to 1994. Goichi Nakayama has been the subject of controversy surrounding the Anglican Church and their handling of child abuse claims. In 2015 the Anglican Church of Canada revealed that it had received a written confession from Nakayama of his abuse in 1994, and apologizing for withholding the information from the public and the police for over 20 years.
Count Muneyoshi Tokugawa (徳川 宗敬, Tokugawa Muneyoshi; 31 May 1897 – 1 May 1989) was a Japanese forester, politician and…Count Muneyoshi Tokugawa (徳川 宗敬, Tokugawa Muneyoshi; 31 May 1897 – 1 May 1989) was a Japanese forester, politician and Shintō priest. His court rank was Junior Third Rank.
Myōkō Naganuma (長沼妙佼, Naganuma Myōkō; 1889–1957) was the co-founder and first vice-president of the Buddhist religious…Myōkō Naganuma (長沼妙佼, Naganuma Myōkō; 1889–1957) was the co-founder and first vice-president of the Buddhist religious sect Risshō Kōsei Kai.
Tomokiyo Yoshisane (Japanese: 友清歓真; October 9, 1888 – February 15, 1952), also known as Tomokiyo Banzan (友清磐山) or…Tomokiyo Yoshisane (Japanese: 友清歓真; October 9, 1888 – February 15, 1952), also known as Tomokiyo Banzan (友清磐山) or Tomokiyo Kugo (友清九吾), was a Japanese religious leader known for founding the Shintō Tenkōkyo religion in 1920.
Fukada Chiyoko (深田 千代子) (October 3, 1887 – January 6, 1925) was the Japanese founder of Ennōkyō (円応教), a Japanese new…Fukada Chiyoko (深田 千代子) (October 3, 1887 – January 6, 1925) was the Japanese founder of Ennōkyō (円応教), a Japanese new religion based in Tamba, Hyōgo Prefecture. She began her religious career after receiving a divine revelation on July 16, 1919. For the next five and a half years until her death at the age of 37, she carried out faith healing and teaching that attracted numerous followers.
Nisshō Inoue (井上 日召, Inoue Nisshō; April 12, 1887 – March 4, 1967) was a Japanese Buddhist preacher of Nichirenism who…Nisshō Inoue (井上 日召, Inoue Nisshō; April 12, 1887 – March 4, 1967) was a Japanese Buddhist preacher of Nichirenism who founded the interwar Japanese fascist militant organization Ketsumeidan (血盟団, League of Blood). Contrary to popular belief, he was never an ordained Nichiren priest, but was rather a self-styled preacher whose extremist tenets were widely denounced by Japan's mainline Nichiren Buddhist establishment of the time.
Hisanori Fujita (藤田 尚徳, Fujita Hisanori; 30 October 1880 – 23 July 1970) was a Japanese admiral in the Imperial…Hisanori Fujita (藤田 尚徳, Fujita Hisanori; 30 October 1880 – 23 July 1970) was a Japanese admiral in the Imperial Japanese Navy, court official and Shinto priest. After retiring from active service, he served as Chief Priest of Meiji Shrine and the Grand Chamberlain to Emperor Hirohito during World War II.
Akegarasu Haya (暁烏 敏; 1877–1954) was a Shin Buddhist priest in Ōtani-ha. For a decade he was a student of the Shin…Akegarasu Haya (暁烏 敏; 1877–1954) was a Shin Buddhist priest in Ōtani-ha. For a decade he was a student of the Shin reformer Kiyozawa Manshi. Akegarasu was also a former head of administration of the Higashi Hongan-ji who was a major inspiration to the formation of the Dobokai Movement.
Tsunesaburō Makiguchi (牧口 常三郎, Makiguchi Tsunesaburō; 23 July 1871–18 November 1944) was a Japanese educator who…Tsunesaburō Makiguchi (牧口 常三郎, Makiguchi Tsunesaburō; 23 July 1871–18 November 1944) was a Japanese educator who founded and became the first president of the Sōka Kyōiku Gakkai (Value-Creating Education Society), the predecessor of today's Soka Gakkai.
Juji Nakada (中田 重治, Nakada Jūji; 1870–1939) was a Japanese holiness evangelist, known as "the Dwight Moody of Japan"…Juji Nakada (中田 重治, Nakada Jūji; 1870–1939) was a Japanese holiness evangelist, known as "the Dwight Moody of Japan" (Stark 28-29), who was the first bishop of the Japan Holiness Church and one of the co-founders of the Oriental Missionary Society (now One Mission Society).
Hirata Moritane (平田 盛胤; 1863-1945) was a Japanese Shinto priest and scholar of kokugaku. He was one of the heirs of the…Hirata Moritane (平田 盛胤; 1863-1945) was a Japanese Shinto priest and scholar of kokugaku. He was one of the heirs of the legacy of Hirata Atsutane, and during his lifetime was considered a leading figure in Tokyo's system of Shinto shrines.
Kiyozawa Manshi (清沢 満之; 1863–1903) was a Japanese Shin Buddhist thinker, academic and reformer of the Ōtani-ha branch.…Kiyozawa Manshi (清沢 満之; 1863–1903) was a Japanese Shin Buddhist thinker, academic and reformer of the Ōtani-ha branch. He is one of the most influential figures of Shin Buddhist modernism, known for his articulation of the philosophy of Seishinshugi (精神主義), which can be translated as “Cultivating Spirituality.” Seishinshugi thought prioritized personal religious experience and was influenced by Western philosophies like religious existentialism, Hegel and Stoicism.
Admiral Arima Ryōkitsu (有馬 良橘; December 16, 1861 – May 1, 1944) was a career naval officer in the Imperial Japanese…Admiral Arima Ryōkitsu (有馬 良橘; December 16, 1861 – May 1, 1944) was a career naval officer in the Imperial Japanese Navy during Meiji and Taishō periods.
Kanamori Michitomo (金森 通倫; 2 October 1857 – 4 March 1945) was a Japanese Christian minister. He also went under the…Kanamori Michitomo (金森 通倫; 2 October 1857 – 4 March 1945) was a Japanese Christian minister. He also went under the English name Paul Kanamori and published as Kanamori Tsurin. Former prime minister of Japan, Shigeru Ishiba is Kanamori's great-grandson.
Masayoshi Oshikawa (押川方義; 1850–1928) was a Japanese evangelist, political activist and founder and first president of…Masayoshi Oshikawa (押川方義; 1850–1928) was a Japanese evangelist, political activist and founder and first president of Tohoku Gakuin University.
Baron Takatomi Senge (千家 尊福; 7 September 1845 – 3 January 1918) was a Japanese priest and politician. He served as…Baron Takatomi Senge (千家 尊福; 7 September 1845 – 3 January 1918) was a Japanese priest and politician. He served as governor of three prefectures. He was Governor of Saitama from 1894 to 1897, Governor of Shizuoka from 1897 to 1898, and Governor of Tokyo from 1898 to 1908. He was also a member of the House of Peers. He was an organizer of the 1907 Tokyo Industrial Exhibition. He was a Shinto Priest and the founder of Izumo-taishakyo, and the 80th high priest of Izumo-taisha (an eightieth generation descendant of the first Izumo no Kuni no Miyatsuko). He founded the Mokuyōkai (木曜会, The Thursday Association) a Japanese political faction dedicated to representing the interests of barons over higher nobility.
Nitta Kuniteru (新田邦光) (1829–1902) was a founder of a Sect Shinto group. He founded Shinto Shusei (神道修成派, Shintō…Nitta Kuniteru (新田邦光) (1829–1902) was a founder of a Sect Shinto group. He founded Shinto Shusei (神道修成派, Shintō shūsei-ha) in 1849. He read the Analects at age 9. He founded the sect at age twenty, and considered Japanese people to be descendants of deities. He considered allegiance to the Emperor of Japan to be central to his philosophy; he was a supporter of Sonnō jōi but supported the Boshin Rebellion and the Meiji Restoration later. He managed to gain independence for the sect in 1876. He believed that man's body came from his parents but his spirit came from the three kami Ame-no-Minakanushi, Takamimusubi, and Kamimusubi who he identified with Shangdi. His sect had very positive attitudes towards science and commerce.
Peter Kasui Kibe, SJ (Japanese: ペトロ・カスイ岐部, romanized: Petoro Kasui Kibe; born Kibe Shigekatsu, 岐部 茂勝; 1587 – 4 July…Peter Kasui Kibe, SJ (Japanese: ペトロ・カスイ岐部, romanized: Petoro Kasui Kibe; born Kibe Shigekatsu, 岐部 茂勝; 1587 – 4 July 1639) was a Jesuit who was one of the first Japanese people to visit major cities west of his native Japan, such as Rome and Jerusalem. He was killed in 1639 and beatified as a martyr in 2008.
Sebastian Kimura (1565 – 10 September 1622) was a Japanese Catholic priest and member of the Society of Jesus. He was…Sebastian Kimura (1565 – 10 September 1622) was a Japanese Catholic priest and member of the Society of Jesus. He was among the 55 people killed during the Great Genna Martyrdom and subsequently beatified.
Daisaku Ikeda (池田 大作, Ikeda Daisaku; 2 January 1928 – 15 November 2023) was a Japanese Buddhist leader, author…Daisaku Ikeda (池田 大作, Ikeda Daisaku; 2 January 1928 – 15 November 2023) was a Japanese Buddhist leader, author, educator and nuclear disarmament advocate. He served as the third president and then honorary president of the Soka Gakkai, which is considered among the largest of Japan's new religious movements, but has also been described as a cult by medias ("Soka Gakkai has many of the markings of a cult") and politicians (the French parliamentary commission in 1995). Ikeda was the founding president of the Soka Gakkai International. Although a claimed Japanese membership of 8.27 million households, recent research and surveys suggest that between 2.5 million and 4 million people - approximately two to three percent of the Japanese population - are active members of Soka Gakkai, and the organization claims to have approximately 11 million practitioners in 192 countries and territories, more than 1.5 million of whom reside outside of Japan as of 2012. Ikeda was the founder of a variety of educational and cultural institutions including Soka University, Soka University of America, Min-On Concert Association and Tokyo Fuji Art Museum. In Japan, he was also known for his international outreach to China.
Nikkyō Niwano (庭野日敬, Niwano Nikkyō; November 15, 1906 – October 4, 1999) was one of the founders and the first…Nikkyō Niwano (庭野日敬, Niwano Nikkyō; November 15, 1906 – October 4, 1999) was one of the founders and the first president of the Buddhist organization Risshō Kōsei Kai.