About

In 1965, Bukkyo Dendo Kyokai (BDK - Society for the Promotion of Buddhism) was established by the late Rev. Dr. Yehan Numata, the founder of Mitutoyo Corporation. His fervent wish was to spread the teaching of Śakyamuni Buddha throughout the world. From that time on, BDK has diligently been translating and distributing “The Teaching of Buddha” with the support and cooperation of like minded individuals and organizations.

The Japanese Government has officially approved BDK to be recognized as a “Public Interest Incorporated Foundation” and this fresh new start for BDK began on April 1, 2013.

Rev. Dr. Yehan Numata

Rev. Dr. Yehan Numata

In describing Bukkyo Dendo Kyokai, it is essential to speak of the businessman and gentleman, Yehan Numata (1897-1994), the founder of Mitutoyo Corporation.

He established a company to manufacture precise measuring instruments in 1934. His solid conviction was that the success of an enterprise depends on the harmonious association of Heaven, Earth and Human, and that the perfection of the human mind is attainable only through a well-balanced coordination of wisdom, benevolence and valor. He did everything he could, under this conviction, towards the technical improvement of measuring instrument manufacturing and the development of the human mind.

It was his belief that the attainment of world peace is possible only by the perfection of the human mind which can be educated and benefited from the teachings of the Buddha. Therefore, along with managing his business enterprise, he exerted his efforts toward the spreading and modernization of Buddhist music, pictures and teachings.

In December 1965, he had a foundation incorporated with his private funds to engage in the propagation of Buddhism, and at the same time, to be an aid towards world peace. Thus, he initiated Bukkyo Dendo Kyokai as a public organization.

Simplified History of the Late Rev. Dr. Yehan Numata's

1897 Born in Hiroshima Prefecture, Japan
1916 Relocated to Hawaii as a Hongwanji minister
1925 Published the English magazine, “The Pacific World”
1928 Graduated with Masters Degree from University of California, Berkeley
1930 Appointed as statistician in the Japanese Ministry of Resources
1934 Established the Mitutoyo Manufacturing Company
1938 Appointed CEO of Mitutoyo
1959 Appointed as a board member of Musashino Jogakuin Junior & Senior High School
1961 Received "The Blue Ribbon Medals of Honor" from the Japanese Government
1963 Appointed as a Senior Adviser of Japan Measuring Instruments Federation
1965 Establishment of the Bukkyo Dendo Kyokai Appointed as a board member of Bukkyo Dendo Kyokai
1967 Received “4th Class, Order of the Rising Sun, Gold rays with Rosette”
1968 Appointed as chairperson of Mitutoyo
1969 Appointed as director of Japan Precision Measuring Instruments Manufacturers Association
1977 Received Honor of Jōdo Shinshū Hongwanji-ha Kyōgaku Grant-Making Foundations
1985 Appointed as Executive Adviser of Mitutoyo
1987 Received Higashi Hiroshima City Medal
1988 Appointed Honorary Ph.D. from University of Hawaii
1991 Received Honorary Ph.D. from Ryukoku University
1994 Passed away at the age of 97 on May 5

Purpose and Projects

BDK's mission is to contribute the advancement and improvement of human welfare and world peace by promoting the Buddhist essences of compassion, interconnectedness, culture and research that are the foundation of Japanese culture. BDK desires to provide a modern interpretation of the Buddha's teaching and to create a more compassionate humanity through its global educational programs, and working towards contributing to the advancement of modern society. In order to achieve these purposes, BDK is actively involved in the following:

  1. Creating and compiling a contemporary understanding of the Buddha's teachings and providing foreign-language translations of various Buddhist texts and their dissemination.
  2. Providing financial assistance and organizing a commendation award program to recognize outstanding individuals involved in promoting the Buddhist spirit, culture and studies.
  3. Support education programs which advance the Buddhist spirit and culture and its study.
  4. Provide physical facilities to conduct programs for the advancement of Buddhist culture.
  5. Other projects as needed and developed to support the mission of this organization.