About
Leaving behind the bustle of Tokyo and stepping into a corner of Azabudai in Minato Ward, what appears before you is the strikingly unique building of the Reiyukai Shakaden, which looks as if a spaceship has landed. Completed in 1975, this structure was built by Takenaka Corporation, and its distinctive exterior is said to symbolize “prayer hands.” The massive, jet-black roof layers upon itself multiple times, quietly welcoming visitors.
This site is where Kakutaro Kubo, the founder of Reiyukai, aspired to establish a new headquarters hall dedicated to realizing “the world of the Buddha,” with Shakyamuni Buddha as the principal object of worship. When constructing the former headquarters hall in 1937 (Showa 12), he reportedly said, “Iikura in Azabu is the birthplace, and it must remain forever. The transportation is convenient, and in the future, a subway will surely pass through.” True to his words, today the site is just a few minutes’ walk from Kamiyacho Station on the Tokyo Metro Hibiya Line, and despite being in the city center, it offers a space that combines tranquility and solemnity.
Stepping inside the Shakaden, a vast hall measuring 50 meters wide and 100 meters deep unfolds, capable of accommodating about 3,500 people. This expansive space is supported by 28 V-shaped pillars inspired by the 28 chapters of the Lotus Sutra, and is constructed in such a way that it seems to float above the precincts and corridors. Stone materials are extensively used for the floors, corridor levels, and exterior of the pillars, creating a calm atmosphere. This great hall is open for free viewing even to non-believers, providing visitors with an air of silence and reverence.
Additionally, there is an underground hall called “Kotani Hall,” which is used for the religious organization’s events and activities. This hall is also sometimes used for various purposes, such as ball games. Furthermore, within the Shakaden, there is an exhibition space called “Shintaro Ishihara’s Room,” where the study of Shintaro Ishihara, the writer and politician, is recreated, displaying his works, furnishings he used, and paintings. This demonstrates the deep relationship between Ishihara and Reiyukai, offering visitors a new perspective.
Around the Shakaden, the redevelopment project “Azabudai Hills” is underway, and the cityscape is changing daily. However, the Shakaden continues to quietly assert its presence, unaffected by the passage of time. Visitors come here seeking peace of mind, leaving behind the city’s noise. The Shakaden truly serves as a modern oasis, providing many people with comfort and moments of reverence.