Have you ever heard of Happy Science? They are one of the lesser-known “Japanese new religions” or Shinshukyo. While not as notorious as doomsday cults, Happy Science focuses on peace, love, and understanding. Believers follow a path that strives for love, peace, and happiness on Earth. The founder, Ryuho Okawa, claims to channel spirits like Christ, Muhammad, Buddha, and Confucius. The group recognizes many gods, rejecting the idea of religious war.

You might be wondering why I’m talking about this. Well, it all started when I was researching how religious organizations use anime to convey their beliefs. During my research, I stumbled upon Happy Science’s anime movies, which serve as informational tools rather than propaganda. These movies aim to spread the message of a deity named El Cantare, who protects us from greed and lust.

To date, Happy Science has produced several feature-length movies. While some of them lacked a compelling story, others were quite engaging. Let’s take a closer look at a few notable ones.

The Laws of the Sun (2000)

This movie goes into great detail about Happy Science’s beliefs regarding cosmic spirits, evolution, the origins of humans, and the existence of other species. However, as I watched it, I found the storyline increasingly nonsensical. It resembled an educational video for Happy Science followers rather than a traditional narrative.

The Golden Laws (2003)

Out of all the movies, this one had a more enjoyable story. It follows Satoru, a student from New Atlantis, and Alisa, a time-traveler from the 30th century, on an adventure across different eras. Together, they learn about the meaning of life and encounter great leaders such as Hermes, Moses, Buddha, and Christ. Although formulaic, this movie had its charm.

The Laws of Eternity (2006)

This movie begins with a group of college students exploring Thomas Edison’s forgotten idea, the spirit phone. Their journey takes them through various dimensions, encountering spirits of real people who performed good deeds. While more educational than others, it was also ripe for humorous commentary.

The Rebirth of Buddha (2009)

This film deviates from fantasy and delves into current events. Sayako, a high school student, discovers her ability to see spirits after her senpai writes a controversial article and tragically commits suicide. The storyline revolves around reincarnation, troubled high schoolers, and dangerous organizations. Despite its uncomfortable moments, it captured my attention with its unique twists.

The Mystical Laws (2012)

Considered the darkest of all the movies, this particular one features a fascist empire attempting to conquer the world with advanced technology. The resistance, Hermes’ Wings, seeks to save the planet with the help of a doctor believed to be the reincarnation of a savior. Although it had potential, the movie felt like another repetition of Happy Science’s overarching themes, with added alien invasions.

The Laws of the Universe: Part 0 (2015)

This recent release, set in a fancy boarding school, revolves around five students uncovering an alien invasion. Their mission takes an unexpected turn when they receive a guided tour of Vega and the Pleiades, delving into Happy Science’s core teachings. Despite its laughable moments, it managed to relate to a wider audience.

Watching these movies left me with mixed feelings. As a skeptic, I wasn’t convinced by the messages conveyed, nor was I captivated by the average animation quality. However, I couldn’t help but acknowledge the effort put into producing these films. Happy Science has faced criticism and controversy, but their dedication to spreading their beliefs is undeniable.

To learn more about Happy Science, visit the Fecomic website.

Sources: Happy Science official site, Wikipedia, The Japan Times, BBC