Japan’s predominate religions are Shintoism and Buddhism. Traditionally, Shintoism focuses on daily rituals aimed at connecting the practitioner to Japan’s ancient roots and his/her ancestors, as well as the divine essence that supports all life — rocks, trees, animals, and the earth itself. Buddhism is based on the teachings of Gautama Buddha. Practitioners follow his teachings with the intention of spiritual development leading to insight into the true nature of self and reality.

As steeped in religion as Japan seems to be on the surface, a large percentage of followers of both Shinto and Buddhism are not regular practitioners. A whopping 60 percent of the population, or 76 million people, consider themselves fundamentally irreligious, ascribing to no faith at all.

Into this relatively agnostic modern atmosphere arrives Ryuho Okawa, global visionary, renowned spiritual leader, and founder and CEO of Happy Science.