Fuji Taisekiji Kenshà Âkai (å¨士大ç³寺é¡Âæ£ä¼Â, literally Fuji Taiseki-ji Society for Revealing the Correct Teaching) is a Japanese lay Buddhist organization founded in 1942 as a lay association within Nichiren Shà Âshà « and based on the teachings of the 13th-century monk Nichiren. Nichiren taught that devotion to the Lotus Sutra represents the highest expression of Buddhist truth and is the proper path to enlightenment in the present age. Kenshà Âkai promotes religious practice centered on chanting Nam-myà Âhà Â-renge-kyà Â, devotion to the Gohonzon, and the propagation of Nichiren Buddhist teachings.
The organization was originally established under the name Myà Âshinkà  and later adopted the name Kenshà Âkai in 1982. It was formerly affiliated with Nichiren Shà Âshà « but was expelled in 1974 following doctrinal and institutional disputes. Kenshà Âkai maintains its headquarters in Saitama Prefecture, Japan, and operates as a lay religious movement focused on religious practice, doctrinal study, and missionary outreach. The group regards the Dai-Gohonzon enshrined at the Taiseki-ji temple as central to its religious belief system. Kenshà Âkai has grown significantly since its founding and is considered one of the newer lay movements within the broader tradition of Nichiren Buddhism.
Kenshà Âkai originated in 1942 under the name Myà Âshinkà  (å¦Âä¿¡è¬Â, âÂÂAssociation of True FaithâÂÂ), established as a lay organization affiliated with Nichiren Shà Âshà «. Its purpose was to promote devotion to the teachings of Nichiren, particularly faith in the Lotus Sutra and the practice of chanting Nam-myà Âhà Â-renge-kyà Â.
Following World War II, Myà Âshinkà  reorganized and expanded as religious freedom was restored in Japan under the new constitution. During this period, many lay Buddhist organizations experienced rapid growth, and Myà Âshinkà  increased its membership through propagation activities and doctrinal instruction.
Throughout the 1960s, Myà Âshinkà  intensified its propagation efforts, emphasizing shakubuku, or direct conversion, as a religious duty. The organization encouraged members to actively share Nichiren Buddhist teachings and strengthen their faith through regular practice and participation in group activities.
In 1974, Myà Âshinkà  was expelled from Nichiren Shà Âshà « due to doctrinal and institutional disagreements with the priesthood. Despite the separation, the organization continued to uphold many of the doctrinal principles associated with Nichiren Shà Âshà « and maintained reverence for the Dai-Gohonzon enshrined at Taiseki-ji.
In 1982, the organization formally adopted the name Kenshà Âkai (é¡Âæ£ä¼Â, literally âÂÂSociety for Revealing the Correct TeachingâÂÂ). The name change reflected its mission to promote what it considers the orthodox teachings of Nichiren Buddhism and to distinguish itself as an independent lay movement.
During the late 20th century, Kenshà Âkai expanded its organizational structure, establishing regional centers and strengthening its leadership system. Its activities focused on religious services, doctrinal education, and propagation efforts aimed at increasing membership.
In the 21st century, Kenshà Âkai has continued its activities as a lay Nichiren Buddhist organization. Its primary activities include chanting practice, doctrinal study, and missionary outreach. While its main base remains in Japan, Kenshà Âkai has also developed a presence outside Japan through its members and affiliated groups.
Kenshà Âkai teaches that the ultimate truth of Buddhism is contained in the Lotus Sutra, which it regards as the highest teaching of the Buddha. The organization follows the doctrines of Nichiren, who taught that chanting Nam-myà Âhà Â-renge-kyà Â, known as daimoku, is the essential practice for attaining enlightenment in the present age.
The central religious practice of Kenshà Âkai consists of chanting Nam-myà Âhà Â-renge-kyà  and performing gongyo, the recitation of selected passages from the Lotus Sutra. Members direct their practice toward the Gohonzon, a sacred mandala inscribed by Nichiren that serves as an object of devotion. Kenshà Âkai teaches that through faith, practice, and study, individuals can transform their karma and attain Buddhahood in their present lifetime.
Kenshà Âkai also emphasizes shakubuku, or the active propagation of NichirenâÂÂs teachings, as an important religious responsibility. This practice is regarded as a means of helping others achieve happiness and contributing to the realization of a peaceful society based on Buddhist principles.
Kenshà ÂkaiâÂÂs stated mission is the propagation of Nichiren Buddhism and the realization of a society grounded in the principles of the Lotus Sutra. The organization teaches that the widespread acceptance of NichirenâÂÂs teachings will lead to individual spiritual transformation and contribute to social stability and peace.
Kenshà Âkai places particular importance on restoring what it considers the correct form of Nichiren Buddhist practice and strengthening faith in the Gohonzon. Its activities include religious services, doctrinal study, and missionary outreach aimed at introducing others to its teachings.
Kenshà Âkai teaches that all individuals possess an inherent Buddha nature and the potential to attain enlightenment through correct faith and practice. The organization emphasizes the principle of cause and effect (karma), teaching that present circumstances are shaped by past actions but can be transformed through Buddhist practice.
According to Kenshà Âkai doctrine, suffering is regarded as an opportunity for spiritual growth and transformation. By chanting Nam-myà Âhà Â-renge-kyà  and maintaining faith in the Gohonzon, practitioners seek to overcome personal difficulties, develop wisdom and compassion, and achieve happiness in both present and future existences.
There are branch halls all over the country where members are a part of. Kenshà Âkai also has a presence overseas, with a recognised group in Taiwan, and smaller groups in other countries such as the Philippines.
Time Magazine has described Kenshà Âkai as the "biggest of the new religions" with "nationalistic appeal". Jacqueline Stone opines that Kenshà Âkai represents the:
The nationalistic group is considered one of the fastest-growing and least studied religious movements in Japan. By its own account it has around 2,700,000 registered members . Unlike Soka Gakkai, it has a highly rigid structure and does not belong to any political organization.