Religion: Mukyokai

The room in suburban Tokyo looked like any big classroom; on a dais at one end stood a desk and chair, behind them a blackboard. Some 250 people had checked their shoes at the door and filled the benches. Most of them were young; many wore the black, brass-buttoned uniform of the Japanese university student. Tadao Yanaihara, president of Tokyo University, entered, and the audience rose and bowed. They sang a hymn. Then Yanaihara sat down at the desk and lectured on the Bible for two hours and five minutes.

This was a typical...

Want the full story?

Subscribe Now

Subscribe
Subscribe

Learn more about the benefits of being a TIME subscriber

If you are already a subscriber sign up — registration is free!