Q. I don't understand the purpose of the Happiness Realization Party (political party).

Since its inception, Happy Science has aimed to build a utopia on Earth through the practice of the teachings of love, wisdom, reflection, and development (the Four Right Paths). As part of this utopia activity, we have proposed various opinions to realize the ideals of the nation and politics.

Under the purpose of the Happy Science group of "for the happiness of all people in the world," in order to promote the realization of happiness regarding practical issues such as the economy and society, President Ryuho Okawa established the religious political party Happiness Realization Party open_in_new in May 2009. We began specific activities to ensure that wonderful politics is conducted worldwide. The establishment of the Happiness Realization Party is part of the utopia activities of Happy Science.

Religion and politics are not opposing forces; they must cooperate and work together to improve this country and the world.

In television and newspapers, it is sometimes reported as if religion cannot participate in politics, but this is a complete misunderstanding. The source of this misunderstanding lies in the term "separation of religion and politics," but the "separation of religion and politics" provision in the Japanese Constitution was established to prevent the state from repressing other religions based on the history of repression by State Shinto before the war. In other words, it does not mean that religion cannot engage in political activities; it exists to protect the freedom of belief.

I mentioned that the separation of religion and politics is originally meant to protect the freedom of belief, but in addition to this, the Japanese Constitution guarantees freedom of occupational choice, assembly, association, and all forms of expression, including speech and publication. The media and the overall trend in Japan that says "religion should not be supported" have been greatly influenced by the "prejudice against religion" that spread in Japan after the war, such as expelling religion from education, but there is fundamentally no problem with religious organizations engaging in political activities.

"Separation of religion and politics" means that the state should not favor or disadvantage specific religious organizations, and the freedom to participate in politics is guaranteed to all citizens, including the followers of religious organizations.

I believe that there should be a tolerant religious political party in Japan that has a broad perspective. We need a religious political party that can serve as a support for various religious forces and people who believe in other religions. We do not wish for destructive revolutionary movements or violent revolutionary movements. We aim to gather the forces of those who consider religion to be a good thing and steadily improve the current situation, aiming for development and prosperity. We want to engage in such political activities.

The most significant feature of the Happiness Realization Party is that it operates with a national vision and future vision. Therefore, it does not chase after short-term popularity. Since its establishment, the Happiness Realization Party has presented a clear ideal and vision, conveying what it believes is important with unwavering determination. Furthermore, to realize that vision, we have proposed numerous specific policies and various ideas. We will continue to engage in straightforward activities in the future.