Shinji Shumeikai


Shinji Shūmeikai is a Japanese new religious movement. In 1998, the group had more than 300,000 adherents.

Beliefs

Shumei believes in the pursuit of beauty through art, appreciation of nature and "natural agriculture", a method of food cultivation. They also practice johrei, a type of spiritual healing. Adherents of Shumei believe that, in building architectural masterpieces in remote locations, they are restoring the Earth's balance.

History

Shinji Shūmeikai was founded by Mihoko Koyama in 1970. She founded the organization to spread the teachings of Mokichi Okada.
The head organization is currently based near Shigaraki, Shiga, Japan.

Influence and architecture

The Miho Museum was commissioned by Mihoko Koyama, who was an adherent of Okada. The architect I. M. Pei had earlier designed the bell tower at Misono, the international headquarters and spiritual center of the Shumei organisation. Mihoko Koyama and her daughter, Hiroko Koyama, again commissioned Pei to design the Miho Museum. The bell tower can be seen from the windows of the museum.
Founders Hall was designed by Japanese-American architect Minoru Yamasaki.