Yoshikazu Okada, Japanese religious leader (d. 1974)

Born into a life of privilege and marked by a distinguished military career, Yoshikazu Okada, also known by his spiritual name Kōtama Okada, emerged as the influential founder of Mahikari, a prominent new religious movement (Shinshūkyō) in Japan. His journey from a high-ranking military officer to a spiritual leader illustrates a fascinating transformation, laying the groundwork for a faith that would spread globally even amidst complex succession challenges.

Early Life and Military Service

Yoshikazu Okada first opened his eyes to the world on February 27, 1901, within the refined Aoyama area of Tokyo's Minato Ward. His upbringing was undeniably steeped in prominence; he was the son of Inasaburo, a distinguished Major General in the Imperial Japanese Army. This familial background provided Okada with an exceptional start, leading him to study alongside Japan's elite, including none other than Prince Chichibu (Yasuhito), among other scions of prominent Japanese families. His path naturally led him to a military career, culminating in his graduation from the prestigious Japanese Army Officer Training School in 1922. Upon commissioning, he became a lieutenant in the revered Japanese Imperial Guard, a testament to his capabilities and connections.

Okada's military service took him beyond Japan's borders, where he participated in campaigns in China and French Indochina. His career in the Imperial Japanese Army was cut short in 1941, not by choice, but due to a debilitating back injury. He retired honorably with the rank of lieutenant colonel, a significant achievement that underscored his dedication and command within the military establishment. This period of his life, filled with discipline and strategic thinking, arguably laid a unique foundation for the structured development of his future spiritual endeavors.

The Birth of Mahikari: A New Spiritual Path

Following his military retirement, Yoshikazu Okada embarked on a profoundly different mission, turning his attention to spiritual pursuits. In 1959, he took the initial step by establishing L. H. Yokoshi no Tomo, setting the stage for what would become a significant new religious movement. Just four years later, in 1963, his spiritual work solidified with the official registration of a religious organization under the name "Sekai Mahikari Bunmei Kyodan." It was around this pivotal time that Okada embraced his spiritual identity, assuming the name Kōtama Okada, meaning "Sphere of Light," a designation he received through what he described as a divine revelation. This new name symbolized his leadership and the core spiritual principles he sought to disseminate.

Mahikari, as this movement became broadly known, belongs to the category of Shinshūkyō, or "new religions" of Japan. These movements often emerged in the post-war era, responding to societal changes and spiritual yearning, offering fresh interpretations of spirituality, healing, and personal growth. Kōtama Okada's teachings focused on spiritual purification and the transfer of divine light (Mahikari) through the palm of the hand, aiming to cleanse spiritual impurities and foster a healthier existence for individuals and, by extension, for society as a whole. His charismatic leadership and the direct, experiential nature of Mahikari's practices quickly attracted a dedicated following, establishing it as a distinct and influential voice among Japan's diverse spiritual landscape.

Legacy and Succession: A Complex Transition

The passing of Kōtama Okada in 1974 marked a critical juncture for Sekai Mahikari Bunmei Kyodan. As is often the case with the founders of prominent spiritual movements, the question of succession proved to be a complex and contentious issue. What followed his death was an arduous period of legal and organizational challenges, culminating in court hearings that stretched over an astonishing eight years. This lengthy dispute highlighted the deep divisions and differing interpretations of Okada's spiritual legacy and his wishes for the movement's future leadership.

Ultimately, an amicable settlement, known as a "wakai" in Japanese legal tradition, was reached. This resolution, while bringing an end to the protracted legal battle, also led to a significant schism within the Mahikari movement. Sakae Sekiguchi assumed leadership of the original organization, Sekai Mahikari Bunmei Kyodan, continuing to uphold its established doctrines and practices. Concurrently, Keishu Okada, a close associate and relative, embarked on a separate path, establishing a distinct organization known as Sukyo Mahikari. Both organizations claim to be the true inheritors of Kōtama Okada's spiritual teachings, carrying forward his vision for Mahikari to a global audience, each with its unique organizational structure and interpretation, yet fundamentally rooted in the profound spiritual legacy of their founder.

Frequently Asked Questions About Yoshikazu Okada and Mahikari

Who was Yoshikazu Okada?

Yoshikazu Okada, also known as Kōtama Okada, was the founder of Mahikari, a Japanese new religious movement (Shinshūkyō).

When and where was he born?

He was born on February 27, 1901, in the Aoyama area of Tokyo's Minato Ward, Japan.

What was his background before founding Mahikari?

Okada came from a wealthy family, his father being a Major General in the Imperial Japanese Army. He had a distinguished military career, graduating from the Japanese Army Officer Training School and serving as a lieutenant in the Imperial Japanese Guard before retiring as a lieutenant colonel due to a back injury in 1941.

When did he establish Mahikari?

He established L. H. Yokoshi no Tomo in 1959, and in 1963, he officially registered the religious organization "Sekai Mahikari Bunmei Kyodan."

Why was he also known as Kōtama Okada?

He assumed the name "Kōtama," meaning "Sphere of Light," in accordance with a divine revelation, signifying his spiritual leadership within the movement.

What happened after his passing?

After Kōtama Okada's passing in 1974, an eight-year legal dispute over succession led to an amicable settlement. This resulted in Sakae Sekiguchi leading Sekai Mahikari Bunmei Kyodan, while Keishu Okada established a separate organization called Sukyo Mahikari.