Religion in Modern Asia Newsletter


Oumu Shinrikyo

(Japan)

Another new religion named Oumu Shinrikyc (Oumu Truth Religion) has likewise presented the Japanese with continual material for discussion in recent years. The founder of the religion is ASAHARA Shoko (36), who announced that he accomplished "the final emancipation" as a result of his special religious training in the Himalaya Mountains. Although his conspicuous figure and the secretive activities of the group make them disliked by older generations, some younger Japanese have shown interest in his message and performances. The organization has been in litigation regarding a number of problems, acting as the defendant in some cases and the plaintiff in others. Opposition to the movement arises due to its nature as a kind of Buddhist fundamentalism, something which has been historically very unpopular in Japan.

-- Jan 1, 1992, INOUE Nobutaka



Last updated: 2001/11/28 14:33:46

Copyright © 2001 Institute for Japanese Culture and Classics, Kokugakuin University. All Rights Reserved.