Ryuho Okawa, Founder of ‘Happy Science’ Religious Group, Dies at 66

Ryuho Okawa, the founder and leader of the religious organization Happy Science, passed away at the age of 66 while receiving treatment at a hospital in Tokyo. In this article, we will delve into the details surrounding his death and the reasons behind it.

Ryuho Okawa was a prominent religious and political figure in Japan. He served as the CEO and founder of Happy Science, which he established in 1986. The organization’s teachings are based on Okawa’s spiritual experiences, which he claimed began when he was visited by a divine being named El Cantare in 1981.

Happy Science has been a controversial organization in Japan, with some critics accusing it of being a cult. However, the group has also gained a significant following, with over 12 million members worldwide. Okawa was known for his charismatic leadership style and his ability to attract followers to his teachings.

On March 12th, 2022, Okawa was admitted to a hospital in Tokyo due to health complications. He had been suffering from pneumonia and was also undergoing treatment for liver cancer. Despite receiving medical attention, his condition continued to deteriorate, and he passed away on March 23rd.

The news of Okawa’s death was met with an outpouring of grief from his followers, who viewed him as a spiritual leader and mentor. Many took to social media to express their condolences and share their memories of him.

Okawa’s death has also raised questions about the future of Happy Science. As the founder and leader of the organization, Okawa played a central role in its operations and teachings. It remains to be seen how his passing will impact the group’s future direction and leadership.

In addition to his work with Happy Science, Okawa was also involved in politics. He founded the Happiness Realization Party in 2009, which aimed to promote his organization’s teachings in the political sphere. The party has not been successful in gaining significant support, with only one member elected to parliament in 2013.

Okawa was a prolific author, having written over 2,000 books on various topics related to spirituality, religion, and politics. His works have been translated into multiple languages and have gained a wide readership both in Japan and abroad.

Despite his success as a spiritual leader and author, Okawa was not without controversy. Some critics accused him of exploiting his followers for financial gain and promoting a cult-like atmosphere within Happy Science. However, his supporters vehemently denied these allegations and defended his teachings as genuine and beneficial.

In conclusion, Ryuho Okawa’s death marks the end of an era for Happy Science and its followers. While his passing is undoubtedly a significant loss for the organization, it remains to be seen how it will impact its future direction and leadership. Regardless of one’s opinion of Okawa and his teachings, there is no denying that he had a profound impact on the lives of many people around the world.