Ignite the fire in your own heart! A heated discussion with Shaku Ryoko (Monthly "Young Buddha" May 2019 issue)

Since its founding, the Happiness Realization Party open_in_new has been working hard to rebuild Japan. What kind of person is its leader, Shaku Ryoko open_in_new? Students and young people delve into her charm.

Nayuki Ikeda (hereafter [Ikeda]) So, what is the origin of Shaku's political activities?

Shaku Ryoko (hereafter [Shaku]) Since I was young, I have had a tendency not to turn a blind eye to wrong things. Therefore, I have always wanted to "change the world," not just in politics. After graduating from university, I got a job at a general company, but at the age of 25, I joined Happy Science and was assigned to the public relations department. There, I created a media ethics research group and engaged in a social enlightenment activity called the "Stop the Hair Nude" movement.

At that time, major magazines featuring indecent photos of women began to be placed in libraries and airplanes. I thought, "Isn't this inappropriate for public spaces?" and I wrote letters to the newspaper and petitioned with mothers across the country to the parliament.

As a result, the president of a certain company, prompted by my letter, said, "Let's stop the in-flight distribution of hair nude magazines." Eventually, all domestic airlines discontinued the in-flight distribution of those magazines. I realized that "the world can be changed", and that was the origin of my political activities.

Shunsuke Takai (hereafter [Takai]) When did you aspire to become a politician?

[Shaku] It was after the Happiness Realization Party was founded in 2009. As I studied politics after joining the party, I learned that there are many lies in Japanese politics, and I felt I couldn't turn a blind eye to them. Don't you think there are things that are "wrong," Takai-kun?

[Takai] Due to the impact of work style reforms, we often hear "take a break," but honestly, the field is under pressure. In the end, there are people working more hours than they report to the company, so I think it’s meaningless.

[Shaku] That's right. With the regulations on overtime and paid leave introduced by the work style reform-related bills, the environment has become one where we can't work freely. The diligence that is part of the Japanese national character is also being lost. If we continue this way of working, corporate competitiveness will decline, leading to a decrease in national power, so the Happiness Realization Party wants to advocate for deregulation.

Recently, there has been an increase in free services and handouts, but there are parties saying, "Let's make all school uniforms free as well." If this goes to the extreme, like Mao Zedong, everyone might end up in "people's clothing." What do you think?

[Ikeda] I dislike that.

[Shaku] Right? Free services and handouts use tax money, so there will inevitably be regulations. When regulations are imposed, the people will lose their freedom to the government and be tamed, and I think it's important to be aware of that.

[Ikeda] Previously, Shaku said in a lecture, "My life is all about faith and evangelism," and I thought I wanted to be like Shaku, but where does that passion come from?

[Shaku] Well, I think of myself as "the child of passion" to the extent that I feel motivated (laughs).

[Ikeda] Is there anything you do to keep the fire of passion alive?

[Shaku] I ignite the fire in my heart through reading. Of course, I read the works of President Okawa, and in my twenties, I was fired up reading "Ryoma ga Yuku" (by Ryotaro Shiba, published by Bungeishunju). Have you read it?

[Takai] No (laughs).

[Shaku] What?! That's a loss in life! You can't share the national loss of Ryoma's death!

[Takai・Ikeda] (laughs).

[Shaku] When I read stories of people who risked their lives for the country, I get so fired up that my chest swells. I was passionate like that, and before becoming a monk, I was increasing my peers as the youth leader and engaging in enlightenment activities.

[Takai] I'm also serving as a youth leader, but I find it quite difficult to involve others. Do you have any tips for motivating others?

[Shaku] After all, if you blame the lack of motivation in those around you, you can't be a leader. You have to believe that "true passion will definitely be contagious." I'm still not there yet, but if you don't show your passion, people in society won't understand. Takai-kun and Ikeda-san, you both are still too quiet!

[Takai] Yes (laughs). I want to raise my passion and engage in youth activities with many people!

[Ikeda] I want to entrust the future to passionate people like Shaku!

[Shaku] Thank you. I want to make Japan a country like the sun and illuminate the world. I hope everyone will nurture themselves, break out of their shells, and act with courage.