Japanese new religions

[1] The social tension continued to grow during the Meiji period, affecting religious practices and institutions.

Losing the protection of the Japanese government which Buddhism had enjoyed for centuries, Buddhist monks faced radical difficulties in sustaining their institutions, but their activities also became less restrained by governmental policies and restrictions.

The government strengthened its control over religious institutions that were considered to undermine State Shinto or nationalism, arresting some members and leaders of Shinshūkyō, including Onisaburo Deguchi of Oomoto and Tsunesaburō Makiguchi of Soka Kyoiku Gakkai (now Soka Gakkai), who typically were charged with violation of lèse-majesté and the Peace Preservation Law.

After Japan was defeated in World War II, its government and policy changed radically during occupation by Allied troops.

Although the Occupation Army (GHQ) practiced censorship of all types of organizations, specific suppression of Shinshūkyō ended.

Prior to WWII, the National Diet was restricted and the real power lay with the executive branch, in which the prime minister was appointed by the emperor.

Under the new Constitution of Japan, the Diet had the supreme authority for decision making in state affairs and all its members were elected by the people.

Well-known American SGI converts include musician Herbie Hancock and singer Tina Turner.

It also began to advertise itself as philosophy rather than religion in order to avoid conflict with the Roman Catholic Church and other socially conservative elements in society.