Risshō Kōsei Kai
On the 5th of March 1938, Nikkyō Niwano and Myōkō Naganuma stood before thirty people in a private home to launch Risshō Kōsei Kai. They had just walked away from Reiyūkai after hearing its president declare that studying the Lotus Sutra was outdated. The couple felt such a stance betrayed their faith and decided to build something new. By 1941, membership had swelled to one thousand followers. The organization grew so fast that they outgrew Niwano's house within three years. Construction on a new headquarters began shortly thereafter. Even that building became too small as numbers continued climbing into the late 1950s. Work started on what would become the Great Sacred Hall during those same years. Myōkō Naganuma passed away in September 1957 while serving as Vice-President. She died seven years before the hall finally opened.
Nikkyō Niwano stepped down from his role as president in 1991 after decades of leading the movement. His son Nichiko Niwano took over the position during a special ceremony held that year. Nichiko had been designated as successor back in 1960 when he served as vice president. In 1994, Nichiko appointed his eldest daughter Mitsuyo Niwano as Vice President. Her father gave her the Buddhist name Kosho, and members now refer to her as Kosho-sama. Nikkyō Niwano remained active in interfaith activities until his death on the 4th of October 1999. The office of President remains hereditary, restricted only to direct descendants of Nikkyō Niwano. A board of directors holds final authority on all administrative matters despite the President's spiritual leadership duties. Nichiko continues to represent the group at global events and deliver sermons to congregations worldwide.
The Great Sacred Hall houses a statue of the Eternal Buddha standing 6.09 meters tall and 3.03 meters wide. This image differs sharply from traditional gohonzon objects used by other Nichiren sects. Members venerate this central figure instead of any scroll or plaque. Four smaller Bodhisattvas appear within the fiery halo surrounding the main statue: Eminent Conduct, Boundless Conduct, Pure Conduct, and Steadfast Conduct. Above the Buddha's head sits a small stupa of Prabhutaratna taken from Chapter 11 of the Lotus Sutra. Each member enshrines a Sokaimyo certificate representing their collective ancestors rather than individual posthumous names. Daily practice involves chanting parts of the Lotus Sutra before family altars equipped with offerings of rice, water, and tea. Groups gather in Hōza circles where trained leaders guide discussions about personal problems and Buddhist insights. These sessions foster trust among participants while applying teachings to real-life struggles.
By the early 2000s, Risshō Kōsei Kai had established over two hundred forty churches across twenty countries. Membership numbers reached six point five million people globally, with most residing in Japan. In 2008, Risshō Kōsei Kai International of North America opened its doors to serve growing interest in the United States and Canada. The US branch celebrated fifty years of presence during summer 2009 with a gathering held in Las Vegas. President Nichiko Niwano attended that anniversary event alongside thousands of members. The organization maintains active chapters throughout Asia, Europe, and the Americas today. Local centers operate independently yet remain connected through shared doctrine and leadership structures. Growth has been steady since the late 1950s when construction began on the Great Sacred Hall. Current statistics reflect decades of consistent expansion without major setbacks or scandals reported in available records.
In 1974, members launched the Donate a Meal Movement asking participants to skip two meals monthly. Donations from this campaign exceeded eleven billion yen over thirty years within Japan alone. Thousands more contributed internationally through similar programs. Another initiative called Little Bags of Dreams began in 1999 when youth prepared cloth bags filled with toys and cards. These gifts were sent to children living in war-torn regions including Northern Ireland, Palestine, and former Yugoslavia. The Niwano Peace Foundation started awarding annual prizes in 1983 except during 1988. Recipients include individuals or groups contributing significantly toward global peace efforts. Local churches cooperate with governments and welfare agencies under the Brighter Society Movement framework established in the late 1960s. Music ensembles like the Tokyo Kosei Wind Orchestra receive institutional support while hosting international competitions at facility grounds.
Common questions
When was Risshō Kōsei Kai founded and by whom?
Risshō Kōsei Kai was founded on the 5th of March 1938 by Nikkyō Niwano and Myōkō Naganuma. The couple launched the organization in a private home before thirty people after leaving Reiyūkai.
Who is the current president of Risshō Kōsei Kai and how does leadership pass down?
Nichiko Niwano serves as the President of Risshō Kōsei Kai following his father Nikkyō Niwano who stepped down in 1991. Leadership remains hereditary and restricted to direct descendants of Nikkyō Niwano with Nichiko taking over during a special ceremony that year.
What is inside the Great Sacred Hall of Risshō Kōsei Kai?
The Great Sacred Hall houses a statue of the Eternal Buddha standing 6.09 meters tall and 3.03 meters wide surrounded by four smaller Bodhisattvas. A small stupa of Prabhutaratna sits above the Buddha's head taken from Chapter 11 of the Lotus Sutra.
How many members does Risshō Kōsei Kai have globally and where are they located?
Risshō Kōsei Kai membership numbers reached six point five million people globally by the early 2000s with most residing in Japan. The organization maintains active chapters throughout Asia, Europe, and the Americas today including over two hundred forty churches across twenty countries.
What charitable programs did Risshō Kōsei Kai launch starting in 1974?
Members launched the Donate a Meal Movement in 1974 asking participants to skip two meals monthly which generated donations exceeding eleven billion yen over thirty years within Japan alone. Another initiative called Little Bags of Dreams began in 1999 when youth prepared cloth bags filled with toys and cards for children living in war-torn regions.