Kitamura Sayo (北村 サヨ, January 1, 1900 – December 28, 1967) was the founder of the "dancing religion", Tensho Kotai Jingukyo.

Kitamura was born on January 1, 1900, in what is now Yanai city, Yamaguchi prefecture, Japan.

[1] She said that people should become "true human beings" in order to create a peaceful "land of god", and that Japan's defeat in World War II was just the prelude to a battle between good and evil.

[5] As the religion became more established, she became more critical of politicians, the emperor,[6] and other people in power, calling them "maggots".

Soon, more branches were formed throughout the world, including in Europe, Africa, and South America.