Freedom, democracy, and faith are the keywords for realizing happiness【What's Happiness of Science Special】

June 21, 2019（Last Update: June 13, 2026）

From "What's Happiness of Science" Issue 120 open_in_new Reprinted and edited

Which world do you want to show the children?

いま、世界で大きな衝突が起こっています。中国はヨーロッパやアフリカにまで影響力を持ち始め、その中国にアメリカは貿易戦争をしかけて圧力をかけています。これは私たちにとっても、対岸の火事ではなく大問題。なぜなら、マスコミでは報じられませんが、これは、「どちらの価値観が世界で支配的になるか」の衝突だからです。あなたは、アメリカに代表される「自由で民主的な価値観」と中国政府的な「独裁・統制の価値観」、どちらが中心の世界を、子供達に見せたいですか？

Japan should choose America over China

Should Japan take China or America? The founder of the Happiness of Science Group, Ryuho Okawa, presented the answer at a large lecture held in Makuhari Messe in May. Here is part of that presentation.

Introducing part of the lecture content

◇ In China, individual actions and statements are restricted by the state

In China, under the guidance of the Communist Party, over 170 million surveillance cameras and facial recognition systems, as well as internet monitoring systems, infringe on the human rights of the citizens.

◇ In democratic countries, citizens can choose their government

The best aspect of democracy is that, unlike in countries like China, citizens can choose the party that governs, and "what the majority does not desire does not come to fruition."

◇ What is the intention behind America's trade war with China?

Currently, China has a large trade surplus with the U.S. and uses it to strengthen its military. The aim of America's trade war with China is to reduce this surplus.

◇ 'Religion' has the power to protect democracy

As pointed out by the 19th-century French political scientist Tocqueville, 'religion' is necessary to prevent human degradation in a democratic society.

◇ Adding 'faith' to freedom and democracy will improve society

It is better to add 'faith' in God to countries that advocate freedom and democracy. This way, 'politics with higher morality than man-made laws' can be realized, leading to a society where many people can live happily.

Let's elevate democracy to another stage!

'The values of freedom and democracy lead to the happiness of many people'—that said, democracy is not perfect. On May 22, the issues surrounding this were discussed in a public dialogue held by Ryuho Okawa, the president of the Happiness Realization Party, and Ryoko Shaku, the party leader, at Bellesalle Takadanobaba in Shinjuku, Tokyo.

上野のパンダの香香（シャンシャン）に被選挙権があったとして、「香香」と「ソクラテス」が立候補したら、香香が勝つ可能性があるんですよ（笑）これが、日本の民主主義の問題なんです。
大川隆法党総裁

日本も「徳治主義的な民主主義」を目指していきたいと思いますし、その基盤にあるのは、「一人ひとりが、神の子、仏の子だ」ということです。
釈量子党首

Introducing part of the lecture content

◇ The problem is that democracy tends to become 'dispersive'

While individuals buying 'votes' with money is bribery, when the state 'buys' citizens through dispersive policies, it becomes 'policy.' This is the boundary between democracy and mob rule.

◇ It is dangerous to consider 'discussions about military and war as taboo'

While there are opportunities to learn about military matters overseas, they are not taught in Japan. However, without knowledge of the military, one cannot speak of peace.

◇ Be wary of the totalitarian signs of the current administration

The current administration has a tendency to be two-faced, and if it makes 'many contradictory promises to maximize votes,' it is the same as Hitler's totalitarianism.

The dialogue has already been published as a book!

Ideas that open up the future are here

The Happiness of Science Group has ideas that open up the future. For example, the various proposals from our party, the Happiness Realization Party, have influenced real politics. Here are some of them.

[What is the Happiness Realization Party?]

A religious political party founded by Ryuho Okawa in 2009. As of May 2019, 35 certified local councilors are active nationwide. The party leader is Ryoko Shaku. In Shaku's recent publications are 'The Battle for the Future' and 'Building a Prosperous Nation' (both published by Happiness of Science Publishing).