Japan's new and 'new, new' religious movements which have established themselves in the West are both expanding and in general highly active. Among the best known are Soka Gakkai International, Mahikari, Seicho no Ie, the MOA Foundation, Tenrikyo and Risshokoseikai.

Though invariably deriving their inspiration from traditional sources, as a group they share distinct characteristics: they all stress the importance of pacifism, environmental care and protection and world transformation. They also all claim to heal, that all followers will receive benefits in this life and that, in most cases, Japan is the promised land.

This volume, which also offers a valuable insight into some of the cultural values of contemporary Japan, is the first to address the subject in any detail, and includes contributions from a number of distinguished scholars from Europe and the United States.