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

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.

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

Years	Describe
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
1936	Established Kamata Arsenal in Kamata, Tokyo, and named Mitoyo Manufacturing Co., Ltd.
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:

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

Promotional activities

Free gift of Chinese-English and Japanese-English hardcover Buddhist scriptures We import this Buddhist scriptures from Japan. All major hotels, organizations or individuals are welcome to call to request it. Since we are committed to promoting it, you do not need to bear any costs. Contact number: 0906-650-588 Buddhist scriptures: The teachings of the Buddha were passed down through a long process in various scriptures from 2,000 years ago. Among the more than 5,000 volumes of scriptures, we have selected the teachings that are most closely related to life and translated and edited them into easy-to-understand modern language. And for overseas, foreign language translations have also been published. At present, "Buddhist scriptures" have been translated into 46 languages, and more than 8.4 million copies have been distributed in hotel rooms, hospitals, temples, and libraries in 64 countries.
Limited edition of daily one-teaching calendar Compiled by the Japanese Buddhist Missionary Association, it is a daily saying about "correct thinking" presented in Japanese and English, which helps to inspire people and enhance positive thinking energy.
Promotion of the Chinese translation of "My Belief" This comic book, published in Japan with the assistance of the Japanese Buddhist Missionary Association, explains Buddhist doctrines and terms. It helps children understand Buddhism. Currently, the Taiwan Buddhist Missionary Association is planning the translation and publication of the book, and it is expected to be promoted in Taiwan and donated to relevant organizations in the future.
The Buddhist Mission Conference is held every two years by the Taiwan Buddhist Association to promote exchanges between the Japanese and Taiwan Buddhist Mission Associations and to enable participants to understand the current status and development of the activities they are committed to.