Ryuho Okawa, founder of the Institute for Research in Human Happiness (IRH), has devoted his life to the exploration of the Truth and ways to happiness.

He was born in 1956 in Tokushima, Japan. He graduated from the University of Tokyo. In March 1981, he received his higher calling and awakened to the hidden part of his consciousness, El Cantare. After working at a major Tokyo-based trading house and studying international finance at the Graduate Center of the City University of New York, he established the Institute in 1986.

Since then, he has been designing spiritual workshops for people from all walks of life, from teenagers to business executives. He is known for his wisdom, compassion and commitment to educating people to think and act in spiritual and religious ways.

He has published over 400 books, including The Laws of the Sun, The Golden Laws, The Laws of Eternity, The Laws of Happiness, and The Essence of Buddha. His books have sold millions of copies worldwide. He has also produced successful feature-length films (including animations) based on his works.

The members of the Institute follow the path he teaches, ministering to people who need help by sharing his teachings.