“Happy Science” A Timeline

English | Japanese

• 1860s: Bakumatsu period sees founding of Tenrikyo, Kurozumikyo, Oomoto
• 1946: Emperor Showa (Hirohito) announces Ningen-sengen (Humanity Declaration), revealing that he is not living god, ending State Shinto.
• 1956: Ryuho Okawa is born in Tokushima, Japan
• 1981: Through Grand Enlightenment, “El Cantare” (the syncretic idol of various religious disciplines) reveals to Ryuho Okawa the religious mission of Kofuku no Kagaku.
• 1984: Shoko Asahara forms Aum Shinrikyo in Japan.
• 1986: Kofuku no Kagaku forms.
• 1994: “Nostradamus’ Horrible Revelation” releases in Japanese theaters.
• 1995: Sarin Gas Attack in Japan by Shoko Asahara’s guidance.
• 1997: “Hermes’ Love is like the Wind” releases in Japanese theaters.
• 2000: “The Laws of the Sun” releases in Japanese theaters.
• 2003: “The Golden Laws” releases in Japanese theaters.
• 2006: “The Laws of Eternity” releases in Japanese theaters.
• 2008: Kofuku no Kagaku changes from a romanized name to “Happy Science” in Foreign Countries.
• 2009: The Happiness Realization Party is founded with Ryuho Okawa as Prime Minister elect. There are 32 main temples (shojas or shoshinkans) and 200 local branches across the Japanese mainland.