Dynamism and the Ageing of a Japanese 'New' Religion

By Erica Baffelli

Book Description

Through three decades of careful observation, this scholarly exploration reveals the fascinating evolution of Agonshu, a Japanese spiritual movement that rose to prominence in the 1980s through dramatic ceremonies and innovative media outreach. The study follows this religious community from its dynamic early years under charismatic leader Kiriyama Seiyu through periods of decline and eventual transformation following the founder's passing in 2016.

This comprehensive examination offers valuable insights into how spiritual movements adapt and change over time. Readers will discover how Agonshu navigated the complex transition from a vibrant "new religion" to a more established institution, particularly after losing its founding figure. The book illuminates the crucial role of charismatic leadership in religious communities and explores how movements balance universal spiritual concepts with specific cultural identities.

The research reveals how Agonshu gradually shifted toward Japanese nationalism while simultaneously transforming its deceased founder into an object of veneration. This transformation demonstrates the common challenge spiritual organizations face when their guiding leaders pass away and how they reinvent themselves to survive and remain relevant.

For those interested in understanding how religious movements evolve, adapt, and sometimes become the very thing they once challenged, this study provides a thoughtful analysis of spiritual innovation, cultural identity, and the dynamics of religious change in contemporary society.