The Japanese Cult of Happy Science

Ryūhō Ōkawa, leader of the Japanese Happy Science religion, was the self-proclaimed reincarnation of Jesus Christ, Elohim and…Yoda. He died earlier this year, leaving behind a complex legacy. From Wall-Street trader to founder of the controversial religion, Okawa was a savvy businessman who is said to have used this know-how to create a money-making machine disguised as spirituality.

While Happy Science boasts over 12 million followers worldwide,the real number is likely much lower. Perhaps that’s because members had to give donations of up to $400 at a time for ‘blessings’. The cult is known for bizarre anime, a political party calling for the remilitarization of Japan and celebrity seances with figures like Margaret Thatcher. In 2020, the cult minimized the dangers of COVID and said it was caused by UFOs.

But what will the cult do now without its supreme leader?

Host
Yasna Vismale

Producer
Stephanie Tangkilisan

Editor-In-Chief
Keshia Hannam

Researcher
Manal Ahmed

Director of Photography
Boya Sun

Editor
Evander Arther

Animator
Fajar Alkan

Graphic Design
Samuel Kang
Fitra Pratama
Annie Zhao

Additional Archival Material
Ryuho Okawa
Wikimedia
Britannica
Observer
Happy Science Los Angeles Temple
DW News
Getty Images
Youtube/Nhuck Theduck
Happy Science
Nat Geo
Catholic.com
Awareness Space
ExpressNews Vietnam
Happy Science Official
Twitter/@mrjeffu
Real Estate Tokyo
Youtube/FCCJ Channel