Interview with the Director of Public Relations of Happy Science on the Kyoko Okawa Issue

※The following is an excerpt from an article published in the April issue of 'The Liberty open_in_new' (released at the end of February).

―Interview with the Director of Public Relations of Happy Science on the Kyoko Okawa Issue―

"We hope Ms. Kyoko will reflect and repent as soon as possible."

Kyoko Okawa, who was once an assistant to the president of Happy Science, has been slandering Ryuho Okawa, the founder and president of the Happy Science group, and the organization in weekly magazines and other media. What is happening now? We asked Eiichi Satomura, the group's Director of Public Relations, about this issue.

―Regarding the current Kyoko Okawa issue, various weekly magazines have reported on it, so we would like to hear your views.

Ms. Kyoko Okawa has been mixing truth and falsehood in various stories, but we find it very regrettable and must say she has crossed a pitiful line. Ms. Kyoko seems to be claiming that "President Okawa had issues with women," but there is no such fact.

In the first place, someone who has lost faith cannot remain in the position of the founder's wife or assistant, and to maintain the assistant function, a team of male and female secretaries supports President Okawa's sacred duties. This is being misinterpreted as a women's issue or polygamy.
For example, last year alone, the president delivered 229 lectures and published 52 books sold in bookstores. Frankly speaking, he is doing superhuman work. Because Ms. Kyoko cannot assist with this, many male and female disciples have been supporting him, and this has been the case for the past few years. She is jealous of this system and is calling it a "women's issue."

─I heard that the current issue started when the president began traveling to branches nationwide for missionary work?

In June 2007, President Okawa started a "branch tour" to give lectures at branches across the country. In response, Ms. Kyoko opposed going to such branches and talking directly with believers. However, President Okawa said he wanted to create as many opportunities as possible to meet directly with those who have become members of Happy Science through a special connection, and thus began the branch tour.
As a religious leader, and furthermore as a savior, President Okawa is trying to fulfill his mission to save humanity through the law. In contrast, Ms. Kyoko seemed to feel uncomfortable with the rapid development of the organization through the savior's own missionary work.

─Why has Ms. Kyoko reached this situation?

It is true that Ms. Kyoko made contributions during the early days of the organization. However, the organization is celebrating its 25th anniversary this year, and it is now expanding into politics and education, and leaping overseas. Regarding the development of this organization, there may be parts where Ms. Kyoko, as the savior's wife, became overwhelmed in terms of ability.
But this is very regrettable. There was once a protest action by volunteer believers against the Kodansha Friday incident, a misguided media outlet, and Ms. Kyoko publicly stated, "I don't mind losing my life for the believers." It is regrettable that the same person is now hurting the hearts of believers worldwide through such media statements, and furthermore, claiming that the religious guidance given to encourage her repentance, which was conducted exclusively for members, is defamation.

No one hates Ms. Kyoko. We hope she will realize the love of the believers and the compassion of President Okawa.

─There was also a statement from Ms. Kyoko that the president mentioned polygamy. Is this true?

It is completely unfounded. In Happy Science, there is no doctrine of polygamy. Last year alone, over 150 spiritual messages from spirits were recorded and released, and indeed, some spirits have their own opinions about marital relationships. However, in our organization, from the standpoint of recognizing the freedom of speech of spirits, we deliberately publish such opinions, even if they differ from President Okawa's thoughts and doctrines, as proof of individuality. We even release voices of spirits that harshly criticize Happy Science as they are. If one is interpreting such a spirit's opinion as polygamy, it shows a severe misunderstanding of the doctrine.

─There have been some reports of a large number of withdrawals and a decline in donations?

This is completely contrary to the facts. The number of believers exceeds 12 million worldwide, and believers are increasing daily not only in Japan but also on the other side of the globe, such as in India, Brazil, and Africa. In politics, the Happiness Realization Party recently announced over 100 candidates for the next House of Representatives election. In the field of education, Happy Science Academy is moving towards establishing a Kansai campus in 2013. Furthermore, overseas temples are being completed one after another, and the scale and activities of Happy Science are indeed expanding.

─There were also reports that the president owns luxury watches. What about this?

The items that President Okawa wears at events and large lectures are carefully managed by our organization as precious treasures used by the Lord himself and should be passed down to future generations. They are not personal belongings. The fact that the Lord's appearance, which we convey to future generations, is wonderful is a joy for us believers.
Incidentally, we do not disclose President Okawa's income, but I would like to state that President Okawa donates all royalties and a large amount of money to the organization and Happy Science Academy.

─Ms. Kyoko seems to have stated that her relationship with her children worsened because of the organization?

The fact is that, having seen their mother's behavior, the eldest son and daughter, who are already adults, and other children have distanced themselves from Ms. Kyoko of their own volition.

─I heard that Ms. Kyoko is considering filing a defamation lawsuit and a divorce lawsuit. How will the organization respond in the future?

As an organization, we would like to respond calmly. We sincerely hope that she will reflect and repent. Therefore, even if Ms. Kyoko uses heartless words, we, as religious people, wish for a single Buddhist disciple to regain their faith.